Home News City man drowns after falling into water-filled trench

City man drowns after falling into water-filled trench

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The body of a man has been retrieved from a water-filled trench in Ivory Park after he fell in on Sunday night.

A man died after falling into a trench dug for the installation of a sanitation pipeline in Ivory Park. Picture: Soraya Crowie

THE BODY of a man has been retrieved from a water-filled trench in Ivory Park after he fell in on Sunday night.

Residents said on Monday that the fire brigade and SAPS Search and Rescue unit had struggled for about two hours to retrieve the body from the trench, which is apparently about 10 metres deep.

“We heard someone repeatedly calling for help at around midnight while we were all asleep. The area is pitch dark at night and we were unable to pull him out of the trench, as it was too deep. By the time the ambulance arrived he had already died,” said the residents.

Eyewitnesses added that the deceased had injured his head during the fall.

They said that the deceased lived close to where the trench was dug, where it is believed that he was on his way home when he slipped in.

“The barrier curtain was only erected around the hole on Monday, after it was dug on Friday for the installation of sewage pipes. The trench poses a danger to the community and it is difficult to prevent children from playing there.”

One resident said that he had sent his seven-year-old daughter to live with her grandmother until work on the trench was completed.

“The trench is always filled with water, whether it rains or not.”

Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Sello Matsie indicated that the municipality was not in a position to comment as an investigation was still under way.

“We will offer our full co-operation to the law enforcement agencies. We are saddened by the death. We would like to extend our condolences to the family,” said Matsie.

He pointed out that all work should follow safety standards at all times.

Police spokesperson Captain Bashoabile Kale said the Roodepan police had opened an inquest into the death of a 45-year-old man who fell into a ditch and drowned in Ivory Park on Sunday, October 10, at about 11.30pm.

“The deceased was walking home with his girlfriend when he slipped into a ditch and drowned. The girlfriend tried to look for him but could not reach him. She later called the police,” said Kale.

He added that the police Search and Rescue team retrieved the body from the ditch.

“The deceased was identified as Frans Bosman, 45, by his family. No foul play is suspected.”

Picture: Soraya Crowie

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