Tragedy strikes Slave Route Challenge

A tragic incident marked this year's Slave Route Challenge when a 59-year-old female runner died after she was struck by a falling oak tree during the event on Sunday 1 June.

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

The incident occurred when the tree fell along the race route in the Company's Garden area.

Cape Town Police have launched an inquest docket for further investigation.

Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, provincial police spokesperson, said the incident happened at about 08:20 when a law enforcement officer witnessed how the tree fell across the walkway near Government Avenue.

According to Pojie, the woman was treated on the scene by medical personal and transported to hospital where she later died.

“Upon further inspection, they discovered that the runner was trapped under the tree, unresponsive.

“Medical assistance was on the scene immediately and she was later transported to hospital where she was unfortunately declared as deceased later.”