Focus shifts to recovery, PGC boss says

Thursday 24th February 2011

Emergency services have told Pyne Gould Corporation management the focus of the search at its earthquake-devastated building in central Christchurch has shifted from rescue to recovery.

Ten Perpetual Trust staff and four Marac staff remain unaccounted for and are believed to be still in the building. People from other firms in the building were also believed to be missing.

Rescuers are continuing to search for them.

"Our thoughts are with our missing colleagues and their families," PGC chief executive Jeff Greenslade said today.

"We have been praying that those who are trapped will be safely found, and while we haven't given up all hope sadly the prognosis from the emergency services has worsened."

He said the majority of the 68 staff housed on the first two floors of the leased office space have been located and are safe and well, although five have been admitted to hospital.

Two of them are in a serious but stable condition.

International professional services firm Marsh, which had office space in the building, had concerns for three staff members unaccounted for, its Pacific region head, John Clayton said.

"I can confirm that we have particular concerns about three of our colleagues, one of whom we believe has passed away, although we are awaiting official confirmation from the authorities. The other two colleagues remain unaccounted for.

"We have made contact with all other staff members who were situated in Christchurch at the time and we know that they and their families are safe."

Mr Greenslade, who is on the ground near the site, said rescue teams had worked tirelessly over the past two days and nights in trying conditions.

"We have been alongside them hoping for some positive news regarding our friends and colleagues. This is a tragedy. This has been a devastating event and our prime focus is on our people."

Counselling services have been made available to all PGC staff.

"We are and will remain in close contact with any staff families that have been affected and will provide any help and support that we can."

All staff from an Education Review Office (ERO) office housed in the building have been accounted for and are safe, an ERO spokeswoman said.

NZPA

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