GQEBERHA – Northfield Engineering has confirmed the deaths of two of its employees following a tragic water cooler tank accident at a farm in Humansdorp on Wednesday, 20 May.
In a social media statement, the company said it is prioritising the wellbeing of the families of the deceased and will only issue a formal statement once the police investigation has been concluded.
“Northfield Engineering can confirm that two of our employees passed away in a tragic accident on Wednesday afternoon,” the post read.
“Due to the fact that the police investigation is ongoing and out of respect for the two families we will issue a formal statement once all the facts have been ascertained.
“At this stage our immediate priorities are the wellbeing of the families of our deceased colleagues. We ask that any insensitive information, photos or videos that are being circulated be removed from circulation out of respect for the families.”
According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, the incident occurred at approximately 16:29, prompting a coordinated emergency response involving the South African Police Service Search and Rescue Unit, Humansdorp EMS, EMS Training and the Humansdorp Fire Rescue Unit.
McCarthy said rescuers implemented a 3:1 rope system during the operation.
He explained that Constable Emilio George, selected for his physical build, was lowered into the confined tank wearing a long-line and full-face breathing apparatus, alongside a spiral cooling rod.
He confirmed that both men were discovered face-down in the water and carefully recovered through a narrow opening before being handed over to emergency medical services.
The men, aged 27 and 54, were declared dead at the scene.
An inquest docket has been opened, and investigations are continuing.
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