Two killed in freak accident
After a four and a half hour rescue attempt two men died in an accident outside PhokaThaba Platinum Mine in Maandagshoek last Friday
BURGERSFORT – After a four and a half hour rescue attempt two men died in an accident outside PhokaThaba Platinum Mine in Maandagshoek last Friday. This follows after a 35 ton crane on its way out of the mine, collided with two stationary trucks.
The accident occurred at about 07:10 and it was only by 12:00 that the mine rescue team, Sekhukhune Emergency Management Services and Netcare 911 paramedics succeed in removing Mr Fortune Selwane, the crane driver from the wreckage. Mr Sabelo Sithole, a truck driver from Overnight Logistics in Gauteng also died on the scene.
“Apparently the Johnson Crane Hire crane was exiting the mine grounds and two other trucks were waiting at the main gate to enter the mine. The driver lost control when the brakes of the crane failed on the steep downhill near the gate. It went through the main gate and collided with a delivery truck from Overnight Logistics which in turn crashed into the truck behind it. The impact drove both trucks back about 500 meters from the gate. The next of kin of both drivers were officially notified,” said Const Kgalake Mampuru, spokesperson for Mecklenburg SAPS.
During the rescue operation to free Mr Fortune Selwane, another crane was used to slightly lift the hood of the crane involved in the accident to enable the rescue team to remove him. The Netcare 911 helicopter also landed at the scene to airlift the severely injured Mr Selwane, but he died before he could be airlifted.
Mr Michael Nahon, CEO at African Thunder Platinum SA, also from PhokaThaba Platinum Mine, said that it was an unfortunate incident and that one always wonders what could have been done to avoid such an incident. “Mr Fortune Selwane was advised that he was at the wrong address and on exiting the premises he lost control of the crane,” said Mr Nahon.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague and offer our deepest condolences and support to his family and the other families during this difficult time. The cause of the accident is currently underway by the Department of Mineral Resources,” said Mr Peter Yaman, Johnson Crane Hire sales executive.
Mr Tony Naidoo, managing director of Overnight Logistics told the Steelburger/Lydenburg News that the directors of the company personally assisted Mr Sabelo Sithole’s family in returning his body to Gauteng. “His funeral will be held on October 10. He has been with Overnight Logistics since 2009 and he has always been a humble, dedicated and loyal employee.” Naidoo expressed his condolences to the bereaved of those who were involved in the horrific accident.
