Unclear if South Africans in Nigeria disaster

Johannesburg - It was unclear on Monday evening whether any South Africans were affected by the collapse of buildings in Lagos, Nigeria, the department of international relations said.

"We know of at least five South African church tour groups [who] were at the Synagogue at the time of the collapse," spokesperson Nelson Kgwete said in a statement.

"However, it remains unclear how many South Africans were affected."

AP reported that at least 46 people were killed when a shopping mall and guesthouse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations collapsed.

Kgwete said the department was in touch with tour organisers and South African officials in Lagos were on the scene trying to establish whether any South Africans were involved.

The department set up a 24-hour phone line for the public concerned that their relatives could be affected by the building collapse.