A municipal worker was killed this morning when parts of a trench collapsed onto him in Jan Hofmeyer Street, Welkom.
Shortly before 10.30am paramedics from ER24 arrived on the scene where bystanders pointed to the man still trapped in the deep trench. They [paramedics] found the man with only parts of his chest and head visible. Bystanders and co-workers on the scene explained to paramedics that the man was completely covered in water and mud before paramedics arrived. They managed to free his chest and head from the mud and water.
It is understood that he was working on a water pipe when it suddenly burst, resulting in the walls of the trench to collapse. The bystanders indicated that he was breathing by the time they managed to free his head.
Paramedics found no signs of life and attempted to free him further from the mud. Sadly, they were unable to free him. The fire department was also called to the scene to assist with the rescue. Despite the efforts of the rescuers they were unable to save his life. He was later declared dead on the scene.
Local authorities attended the scene and will conduct and investigation.