One dead, one hospitalised after mine dump tragedy

Two security guards’ attempt to tame the cold has led to one’s death and the other being hospitalised early this morning (9 July).

The two guards from the Davidsonville-based security company Pan African Facilities Management, were keeping guard at the Princess mine dump that contractors Tshonolo Resources are rehabilitating. During the night they decided to make a fire to keep warm. After a while the men moved the fire drum into one of the containers that serves as offices for the construction company. During the course of the night the two men were overcome by the smoke and fumes.

At approximately 5am Sean Daniels, Chief Operations Officer for Pan African Facilities Management, tried to contact the two guards but could not get hold of them on their radios or cellphones. On investigation Daniels saw the two men inside the container, which was locked from the inside. He contacted the emergency services who were able to revive one of the men but the second already had passed away, allegedly from smoke inhalation. The surviving man is in a critical but stable condition in Leratong Hospital.

The tragic event comes shortly after lengthy negotiations between the community and the contracting company with the community demanding, among other, that the services of a local security company be used on the site. The negotiations had a positive outcome for the community who were elated that their demands were met.

Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Theo Visagie called the incident “a tragedy”.

Tshonolo Resources has expressed their condolences with the families.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfKHxI2mHa0&feature=youtu.be