Farming company speaks out after three die in Herold’s Bay tragedy
The cause of the deaths remains under investigation after three workers lost their lives during an attempted rescue from a fertiliser tank.
Summer Sixteen (Pty) Ltd, the company operating the farm near Herold’s Bay on which three employees lost their lives after attempting to rescue some colleagues from an empty fertiliser tank, has broken its silence on the tragedy that occurred on Tuesday, (13 October), releasing a statement detailing the sequence of events, reports George Herald.
The deceased have been identified as farm manager Mario Lombard (41) and farmworkers Pule Johannes Moshane (36) and Tiisetso Victor Masela (33).
According to the company, its employees were carrying out routine cleaning of an empty fertiliser tank, which involved removing accumulated fertiliser residue from the bottom of the tank. During the cleaning process, one worker collapsed.
Two colleagues rushed to his aid in the tank and managed to remove him to safety. However, both rescuers subsequently lost consciousness.
Lombard then entered and attempted to save his colleagues, but also lost consciousness. All three men died on the scene.
The worker who was initially rescued was taken to George Hospital for treatment and discharged the following morning.
According to the farm’s statement, seven other employees who were present on the scene underwent precautionary medical screening and were cleared.
Lombard was a finalist in the 2025 Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year competition.
The cause of deaths are still under investigation.
The company said the exact cause of the incident had not yet been established, and that it was awaiting the outcome of investigations and post-mortem examinations.
The police have opened an inquest docket. Initial information released by the police indicated that 15 people had been affected by the incident, including the three deceased.
Company extends condolences
In its statement, Summer Sixteen described the loss of its employees as devastating and said its immediate priority was supporting their families and fellow workers.
“Our workforce has been deeply traumatised by these events. The loss of three valued colleagues has left our farm and the entire farming community in shock and mourning,” the company said.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with them in their loss and extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected.”
The company has also appealed for the privacy of the bereaved families to be respected.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the three deaths are continuing.
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