Cape Town – Two contract workers have died after being trapped in a manhole in Johannesburg’s CBD, while three others were rescued and taken to the hospital.
Rescue Operation of Workers trapped in a Main hole underway at the corners of Commissioner/Van Brandis, 3 workers rescued transported to nearest health care facility for medical care, one worker confirmed dead on scene,search continues @CityofJoburgZA @CoJPublicSafety (RM) pic.twitter.com/JwbSAibTFL
— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) October 19, 2024
According to The Citizen, Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Nana Radebe said that the workers who died were likely overpowered by fumes from a generator they had been operating underground.
“Five contract workers from Solid Management were stuck underground in a manhole while working. Three people were taken to medical facilities, and two died from fumes from the generator,” the report quoted Nana as saying.
The second worker confirmed dead on scene, the total number of fatalities to 2. @CityofJoburgZA@CoJPublicSafety (RM) pic.twitter.com/k6Ppw2XNvI
— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) October 19, 2024
Authorities are investigating the incident, and the public is advised to avoid the area as rescue operations continue.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@CityofJoburgEMS
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
