Tshwane trench collapse claims one life, leaves 3 injured

Tshwane trench collapse claims one life, leaves 3 injured! A tragic trench collapse in Tshwane has left one worker dead and three others injured, marking yet another devastating excavation accident in the city.

Third Incident Since 2021 Raises Safety Concerns

According to the Tshwane Emergency Services Department, this is the third major trench collapse since 2021, raising serious concerns about workplace safety regulations at excavation sites.

In a statement issued on Monday, the department emphasised the need for contractors to comply with national safety regulations, particularly when working in deep trenches.

Incident Details: Ekangala Trench Collapse

The latest tragedy occurred last week in Ekangala, where a five-metre-deep trench collapsed on four workers near the R568 road.

Tshwane trench collapse

Emergency services rushed to the scene just before 5 p.m., with firefighters from Bronkhorstspruit responding swiftly.

“Three workers managed to escape with minor injuries. They received treatment on-site before being taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, the fourth worker was trapped underground and succumbed to his injuries,” said the department.

History of Trench Collapses in Tshwane

This is not the first incident of its kind in Tshwane. Over the years, excavation safety violations have led to multiple casualties.

• August 2023 – A trench collapse in Capital Park resulted in three fatalities.

• 2021 – A worker in Hammanskraal suffered critical injuries in a similar accident.

The recurrence of these tragedies highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety measures.

Call for Stricter Safety Regulations

The City of Tshwane has urged contractors and construction companies to strictly adhere to national safety regulations when working on excavation sites.

“Contractors must ensure that trenches are properly braced and supervised to prevent such incidents. The safety of workers must be a top priority,” the city stated.

Key Safety Measures for Excavation Sites:

To prevent further accidents, experts recommend the following safety measures:

1. Proper Bracing and Support: Trenches deeper than 1.5 metres should have adequate support structures.

2. Regular Safety Inspections: Ongoing site inspections must be conducted to identify potential hazards.

3. Trained Supervisors On-Site: Qualified safety officers should be present to monitor excavation activities.

4. Emergency Preparedness Plans: Workers should be trained in emergency response protocols in case of collapses.

5. Use of Protective Gear: Workers must wear helmets, gloves, and safety boots to minimize injuries.

Labour Unions Demand Accountability

Following the latest incident, labour unions and worker rights organisations are calling for accountability and stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety laws.

A spokesperson from a local workers’ union condemned the lack of safety precautions:

“These accidents are avoidable. Too many companies are cutting corners when it comes to worker safety. We need the government to step in and enforce strict penalties for negligence.”

What’s Next?

The City of Tshwane has vowed to investigate the cause of the Ekangala trench collapse and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging construction firms to comply with safety guidelines to prevent future tragedies.

For now, the families of those affected are left mourning yet another avoidable loss of life in South Africa’s construction sector.