A young adult was fatally crushed by a fallen tree in Makause informal settlement in the early hours of this morning (May 6).

Rescue teams from the City of Ekurhuleni swiftly responded after receiving a call about a huge tree that fell on several shacks.

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DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said the primary responding team from Primrose Fire Station received the call at 02:29.

“Backup was activated from Bedfordview and Edenvale fire stations, respectively,” said Ntladi.

“On arrival, a huge tree was found to have crushed several shacks and two young adults were found still trapped under one of the massive branches.

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“After cutting off the branch to access the patients, one regained consciousness while the other unfortunately couldn’t.”

“On scene medical treatment was initiated but was unsuccessful, and the patient was declared deceased by paramedics,” said Ntladi.

He said three other patients were accounted for on scene.

“They escaped with minor injuries and were transported to the nearest medical facility for further care.

“The cause of the incident will be part of the investigation. The scene was handed over to SAPS for further investigations and removal of the deceased to a forensic pathology services facility,” said Ntladi.