Johannesburg emergency management services (EMS) has called off a search for waste collectors at the Ennerdale landfill site in Lawley, Johannesburg, where several people were reported missing after a “mountain” of refuse collapsed.
EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said the search was halted early on Sunday.
“The search and rescue team together with Pikitup and SAPS K9 sniffer dogs thoroughly searched the entire area where the heap of waste collapsed on Thursday afternoon,” she said.
Khumalo said teams involved were satisfied that the search had been extensive and thorough.
On Thursday, Netcare 911 reported that waste pickers were collecting recyclable materials when “a mountain-size portion” of the rubbish dump caved in on them.
On Friday morning, the body of a waste picker was recovered and two other people were found alive on Thursday.
“One was pronounced dead, one was unharmed and one sustained injuries and was taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Friday,” Khumalo said.
She said the Ennerdale community was assured everyone had been accounted for and no further reports about missing people had been received.
TimesLIVE
Joburg EMS calls off search for victims of 'mountain of rubbish' collapse at dump site
Image: Supplied
Johannesburg emergency management services (EMS) has called off a search for waste collectors at the Ennerdale landfill site in Lawley, Johannesburg, where several people were reported missing after a “mountain” of refuse collapsed.
EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said the search was halted early on Sunday.
“The search and rescue team together with Pikitup and SAPS K9 sniffer dogs thoroughly searched the entire area where the heap of waste collapsed on Thursday afternoon,” she said.
Khumalo said teams involved were satisfied that the search had been extensive and thorough.
On Thursday, Netcare 911 reported that waste pickers were collecting recyclable materials when “a mountain-size portion” of the rubbish dump caved in on them.
On Friday morning, the body of a waste picker was recovered and two other people were found alive on Thursday.
“One was pronounced dead, one was unharmed and one sustained injuries and was taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Friday,” Khumalo said.
She said the Ennerdale community was assured everyone had been accounted for and no further reports about missing people had been received.
TimesLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos