Two bodies trapped in Kolonnade drain, Pretoria to be extracted
Initial reports were that the two men fell into the drain while working on the sewage line.
Tshwane emergency services were trying to remove the bodies of two unidentified men from a sewage drain on Friday evening, Rekord Centurion reports.
The men were said to have been working around the drain at the Kolonnade shopping centre.
Initial reports suggested the men had fallen inside the drain.
Their bodies were still trapped inside at around 17:55.
“The two appeared to have been overcome by the methane gas,” said Tshwane EMS spokesperson Charles Mabaso.
“Our special operations team were on scene to conduct the recovery of the bodies.”
Xander Loubser of Best Care ambulance services said the two men appeared to be plumbers.
“They had been working on the sewage line,” Loubser said.
“The two patients appear to be deceased. Once access has been gained to the patients this will be clinically confirmed.”
Loubser said the fire brigade was activating a task force to recover the bodies on Friday evening.
The Kolonnade centre management issued the following statement:
At approximately 17:00 on Friday evening an unfortunate incident occurred whilst plumbing subcontractors were working on site at Kolonnade shopping centre.
Tragically two male subcontractors lost their lives on the scene.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased.
A full investigation has been initiated and counselling is being arranged for all affected.
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