Third trench collapse in Tshwane raises safety alarms

THE recent fatal collapse of an excava- tion site in the City of Tshwane, which marks the third such incident since 2021, has sparked growing concerns about the safety of workers and the public at these sites, where trenches are being dug for various purposes.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

This comes after a 39-year-old con- struction worker tragically lost his life recently after being buried under soil in Ekangala Block F near the R568 Road.

The incident occurred when a trench, approximately five metres deep, collapsed during excavation work, trapping four workers underneath.

Lindsay Mnguni, spokesperson for the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, revealed that the recent fatal incident is the third of its kind since 2021.

He said the alarming trend has raised concerns about the safety of workers and the public at excavation worksites.

Although the number of incidents may seem relatively low, Mnguni said the consequences of trench collapses are often severe, resulting in tragic fatalities and critical injuries.

“Although there have been very few isolated incidents where trenches have collapsed on workers during operations, the aggravating consequences when these incidents occur cannot be ignored. Therefore, there is a need to emphasise adherence to national safety regulations as set out in the law,’ he said.