Eastern Cape – Two dairy farm workers have been found dead inside a milk cooling tank on a farm in Humansdorp, with police opening an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a joint rescue operation was launched on Wednesday afternoon after the two workers became trapped inside the tank.
The operation, which began at about 4.29pm, involved SAPS Search and Rescue, Humansdorp Emergency Medical Services (EMS), EMS Training and the Humansdorp Fire Rescue Unit.
Police said rescuers implemented a specialised 3:1 rope system to access the confined space.
“Constable Emilio George, who was selected for his build, was equipped with a long-line, full-face breathing apparatus and lowered into the confined tank beside the spiral cooling rod,” SAPS said in a statement.
The bodies of the two men, aged 27 and 54, were discovered face-down in the water inside the tank.
Rescuers carefully retrieved the bodies through a narrow opening before transferring them to EMS personnel, who declared both men dead at the scene.
Police confirmed that both deceased were employees of the dairy farm.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
