British search and rescue teams are mobilising for deployment to Caracas following a catastrophic building collapse in the Venezuelan capital, where dozens remain trapped under rubble. The Foreign Office confirmed that a specialised unit of 45 personnel, including structural engineers, medical staff, and sniffer dog handlers, is en route to the disaster zone. This comes as desperate families gathered outside the cordoned-off site, pleading for information about missing relatives.
The collapse, which occurred during the early hours of Thursday local time, is believed to have involved a residential tower in the Altamira district. Local officials report at least 13 fatalities and over 50 injuries, but the number of unaccounted individuals is uncertain. International assistance was requested through the United Nations Disaster Assessment Coordination framework.
British Ambassador to Venezuela, Richard Smith, stated that the team would coordinate with local authorities and international partners. The rescue effort is expected to be prolonged, given the structural instability of the debris. In a brief statement, Prime Minister's Office offered condolences and reaffirmed the commitment to aid.
No British nationals have been reported among the casualties thus far.
