A septic tank being installed in the ground. Image: Creative Commons/Nonztp (unrelated).
Two men dead, another injured after being overwhelmed by septic pit fumes
‘It is understood that the three men were working in the septic pit when the fumes overcame them,’ said ER24.
A septic tank being installed in the ground. Image: Creative Commons/Nonztp (unrelated).
Two men died and another was injured in an industrial accident at a farm in Klipheuwel, Western Cape on Sunday, 8 January.
TWO MEN DEAD AFTER EXPOSURE TO SEPTIC PIT FUMES
According to the private emergency medical care service ER24, first responders arrived at the scene at approximately 13:30 on Sunday.
Medics were led to a septic pit where the patients were found. One man was lying beside the pit. He was being treated by on-site rescuers. The two other men were being rescued from the pit.
“Medics assessed the men and found that one man was suffering from minor breathing difficulties while the two other men showed no signs of life,” said an ER24 spokesperson. “Unfortunately, nothing could be done for the two men, and they were declared dead.”
The patient with difficulty breathing was treated at the scene before being rushed to a nearby hospital for further medical attention.
“It is understood that the three men were working in the septic pit when the fumes overcame them,” said the ER24 spokesperson.
Local authorities were at the Klipheuwel farm and investigations are continuing.
UPDATE (14:39):
Captain Frederick van Wyk of the Western Cape police told The South African the incident took place at a farm near Fisantekraal, Kraaifontein at approximately 12:54 on Sunday.
He confirmed that two men – aged 34 and 33 – died and five others were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
The police said an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death. The Kraaifontein police station has opened an inquest docket.
“Anyone with any further information on this incident is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Const Nonabe of Kraaifontein SAPS on 021 980 5500 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said van Wyk.
READ:
- MyCiti bus fire: City investigating how bus carrying 60 passengers caught flame
- Police hunting BMW driver who allegedly killed three children in hit and run
- ‘One of the most brutal attacks’: Four arrested for stoning Cape fur seal [GRAPHIC]
- Ficksburg farmer allegedly kills neighbour’s son over cattle dispute
- MyCiti bus in flames on N2 Highway in Cape Town [WATCH]
- XBB.1.5: The ‘most transmissible’ COVID-19 subvariant detected in SA
