Hart commends rescue workers for recovery operations after trench collapse in Illiondale
“The foreman had actually signed off the trench saying everything was in order shortly before it collapsed.”
Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart commended the efforts of rescue workers and emergency services who attended the scene of a trench collapse in Illiondale.
Also read: Edenvale construction worker dies in trench collapse
The NEWS previously reported that on June 15 a site foreman in his early sixties was killed at a construction site along Cecil Awret Road.
The foreman was in the six-metre deep trench when it collapsed and buried him.
Also read: Body of construction worker recovered days after trench collapses
The City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) believe the man was killed instantly in the collapse.
He was declared dead on the scene.
Also read: Police investigation underway after construction worker dies following Illiondale trench collapse
Hart said when the collapse occurred the community was shocked.
“The accident has proven how fragile life can be. Once DEMS arrived an enormous rescue and recovery operation started,” said Hart.
Rescuers and contractors worked hand in hand for two days.
The body of the worker was only recovered on the evening of June 17 at 5.58pm.
Hart said construction workers were working at a site meant for the Illiondale outfall sewer.
She said the project had been approved by the CoE.
“The contractors were highly experienced. The foreman and the excavator operators had numerous years of experience,” said Hart.
“The foreman had actually signed off the trench saying everything was in order shortly before it collapsed.”
She said the foreman wanted to have a final look at the trench when it collapsed on him.
“A large slab of rock fell onto the foreman.”
During the recovery operation, rescue workers and contractors worked very slowly to prevent further collapses and ensure their safety.
“It was amazing to watch the two excavators at work. It was like watching a ballet,” said Hart.
Hart said as far as she is aware all the necessary steps were taken to ensure that the site was safe and secure.
“Barricades and berms were established before the trench collapsed.”
Following the worker’s death, the project has been put on hold.
Hart said she is uncertain if the project will be cancelled.
“The Department of Labour will conduct an investigation and the contractors need to compile a report,” said Hart.
A request for comment was sent to the CoE’s communication department and DEMS on June 20.
The comment was requested by June 22 at 1pm.
At the time of going to print no comment had been received.
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