One injured, at least four suspected to have died in a landfill collapse
Mountain size rubbish dump collapsed on a group of waste pickers.
One person was seriously injured and at least four people are suspected to have died in a landfill collapse in Lawley on Thursday.
Netcare 911 responded to a landslide at the Ennerdale landfill site in Lawley, South of Johannesburg.
“Reports indicate that multiple waste pickers were collecting recyclable materials when a mountain size portion of the rubbish dump collapsed on the group of people,” Netcare 911 said in a statement.
“Emergency services were notified, they promptly responded.
On scene were The SAPS Search and Rescue, SAPS K-9 Search and Rescue, City of Johannesburg Fire and Rescue Services, City of Johannesburg EMS and Gauteng Provincial Government.”
Netcare 911 said a combined search was conducted by SAPS K-9 after a witness pointed out an area where one of the waste pickers could be.
According to one waste picker, at least four other people were suspected to be buried under tonnes of waste, it said.
“Once the K-9 picked up a scent, digging was initiated and after some time an adult male was found in a serious condition. The man was treated on scene by advanced life support paramedics and once stabilised was transported to hospital for further care. The search had continued, but was called off due to bad weather.”
The recovery mission will continued on Friday.
