Emergency Medical Services in the Western Cape say four children who were killed when they fell into a hole near Nyanga died of suffocation.
The bodies of the children, aged between eight and 13 were retrieved from the hole by rescue crews overnight.
EMS spokesperson Deanna Bessick says the boys were digging the hole on top of a bridge when its sides caved in.
“The incident occurred at 15:17 and Metro Rescue arrived at the scene at 15:37. Metro vehicles with specialised tools searched for and extracted the bodies throughout the night. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.”
Rescue efforts
Fire and Rescue Spokesperson in the City of Cape Town Jermaine Carelse says crews were dispatched on Monday afternoon.
First to be found were the bodies of two boys at around six on Monday evening.
Rescue efforts continued and a third body of a child was found after 9PM on Monday night.
Carelse says emergency services were on scene throughout the night and fourth body of a little boy was found in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
TIMELINE: Children who fell into holes, ditches and mine shafts:
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-Additional reporting by Carmel Loggenberg-Roberts.
