Durban — Messages of sympathy have started to flow in from people who came across a report about a farm employee who was killed by the tractor he was driving.
On Saturday afternoon, Medi Response spokesperson, Paul Herbst, reported that a tractor ran over an operator leaving one person dead.
Herbst said that Medi Response paramedics responded to reports of an industrial accident.
“On arrival of the paramedics, it was reported that whilst maintaining an ash stockpile, a tractor operator had fallen from the tractor before the vehicle ran over him,” Herbst said.
“Unfortunately, the man showed no signs of life and was declared dead on the scene.”
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) who also responded to the scene, reported that a farm employee was killed after he was ejected from a tractor and crushed under the rear wheel while travelling on an unpaved road off Walter Reid Rd in Maidstone.
Spokesperson, Prem Balram, said that when Rusa arrived on the scene, the service found other emergency services already in attendance.
“The body of the deceased was located under the rear tyre of a tractor. Firefighters lifted the tractor with the use of a pneumatic bag and removed the deceased,” Balram said.
“It was established that the man was towing a trailer loaded with a front-end tractor. At some point, the driver was ejected and landed in front of the tractor, which rolled onto him trapping him under the rear tyre.”
Balram added that the identity of the deceased has been established.
Those who were at the scene said this on Facebook:
Melucy Sthole said he still could not believe it, the incident happened in front of him.
Slindile Mvubu said she saw the whole thing and has not had a wink of sleep (since).
Mamsane Nsiko said the man died painfully. She left while his body was still being recovered.
Reacting to the report, this is how Facebook users responded:
Bongani DBongs Mthembu said that a similar incident happened on the farm he lived on. It was a brand new tractor and the driver was experienced.
“It was a pure accident and it caused (a) lot of trauma to all of us. May his soul rest in peace.” Methembu said.
Freddy Perumal said: “Very, very tragic indeed. Sincere condolences to his family. May his soul RIP.”
Leh Langalibalele Maluque said his children and family were waiting for him at home.
“Death has no warning,” Maluque said.
Misabenguni Mbonisi Myeni said that it was his fear every time he drove a tractor. He also said that open tractors should be banned.
Eden Sammie said: “So sad, what a bad way to die ... please take care of his family, kids and parents … . This is tragic … .”
Daily News