The Redcliffe temple collapse site, now a crime scene, highlights serious concerns over construction safety and compliance.
The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has indicated that it would refer the Redcliffe, Verulam, temple collapse for criminal prosecution should non-compliance be confirmed.
On December 12, 2025, a building collapsed near the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection (owned by a family trust) in Verulam, claiming five lives and leaving several others injured.
The four-storey structure at River Range Ranch gave way, trapping people beneath the debris and requiring a few days to get all the bodies out.
Temple founder Vick Panday, 52, Food For Love Africa cook Vasudeva Datta Das, 65, farmer Kishore Hurribhujan, 63, electrician Jayaseelan ‘Jayce’ Perumal, 58, and construction worker Adbul Prabhus were killed during the incident.
