Cruel blow

A council worker died tragically in a freak accident on Friday when a truck toppled over due to strong winds in Muizenberg.

According to a source, various officials were called to the Coastal Park Landfill site shortly after 1pm to find the man under the council truck with a crushed skull.

The source says: “It was just after 1pm and the wind was very strong in Muizenberg.”

“According to what we could ascertain at the scene, the council worker was standing on the side of the truck as it was unloading dirt, but then a strong gust of wind came and toppled the truck over.

“You could see by his position that he tried to run, but the truck came crashing down and crushed his skull. He was declared dead on the scene.”

Mayco Member for Water and Waste Services Xanthea Limberg confirms the incident and says the worker has been identified as Frederick Renier who worked at the Parow Cleansing Depot.

“I can confirm the sad and tragic incident at the Coast Park Landfill site where one of our staff from the Parow Cleansing Depot, Frederick Renier, died after a truck collapsed on him due to the strong weather conditions.

“Our Fire and Rescue Services Department responded, but unfortunately he did not make it. It is incredibly sad.”

On Thursday, Chantel Alexander of the City’s Disaster Risk Management Services said the weather office warned that strong south-easterly winds were being experienced over the metropole.

On Friday morning, the City had received reports of trees that had been uprooted in Sea Point, Ruyterwacht, Clifton, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Langa.

“Trees also caused damage to property in Nyanga and Gugulethu. And, trees have also fallen across roadways in Strand, Goodwood, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Milnerton and Camps Bay.

“We have also received reports of roof sheeting blown off in areas of Bonteheuwel, Macassar and Manenberg.

“The relevant City departments have started work to clear damage from the strong winds experienced,” the City said yesterday.

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