Update: Emergency Services Free Man Trapped in Kloof Trench for Over 5 Hours

ER24 Emergency Medical Services, the fire department, police and other services worked Thursday afternoon and evening to free a man who had been trapped in a trench at a residential property in Kloof, Durban, since 14h00. (Updated 21h00.)

ER24 reported that when its paramedics arrived on the scene, they found the 30 year old man trapped from his shoulders down under heavy soil.

“It is understood that he was busy digging a foundation area when the walls collapsed onto him,” said ER24.

“ER24 paramedics called for further resources and specialised rescue services to assist with the rescue.”

The fire department, police and other services worked tirelessly on the scene to stabilise the ground and free the man. He was talking to paramedics throughout the ordeal and appeared to be in a stable condition, despite the circumstances. 

Further resources were dispatched shortly after 7pm to relieve the rescuers on scene and provide extra equipment.

And just after 20h20 ER24 reported that the worker had been freed and hoisted out of the trench. Paramedics assessed and treated him for various (moderate) injuries, before transporting him to RK Khans Hospital for further care.

ER24 gave a special thanks to SAPS Search and Rescue, Rescuetech, Gillitts Fire Station and other EMS services that assisted… as well as a “big thank you” to the community that provided the rescue workers with refreshments during the rescue process.

#SouthAfricansWorkingTogether #ThankYou!!!

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