[Photo Netcare 911]
Rescue workers have managed to free the body of a man trapped beneath thousands of kilograms of earth when the trench he was working collapsed at a Westville construction site this afternoon.
Netcare911 Paramedics, working hand-in-hand with South African Police Service Search and Rescue officers and eThekwini Metro firefighters, used their technical rescue equipment to shore the walls of the trench, allowing them to dig the man free.
It is thought that the walls of the trench gave way, burying the man up to his neck. His co-workers rushed to his aid and even attempted to use earth movers to free him when the trench walls gave way repeatedly. Acknowledging the inherent dangers they faced they abandoned their rescue efforts.
The man sustained spinal and crush injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
For comment on the technical aspect of the rescue, please contact Captain Troy Allison.
Jeffrey Wicks
Netcare 911
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