Tree collapses in Germiston informal settlement, leaving one dead
A fallen tree has claimed the life of a young adult and left three other people injured after it crashed onto shacks in the Makausi informal settlement in Germiston, in the City of Ekurhuleni, early on Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were dispatched shortly after a distress call at 02:29am reporting that a large tree had collapsed onto multiple structures in the area.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Services (EMS), teams from Primrose Fire Station were first on the scene, with additional support later activated from Bedfordview and Edenvale fire stations.
Spokesperson William Ntladi said rescue teams found extensive damage upon arrival, with several shacks destroyed and two young adults trapped beneath heavy branches.
"On arrival, a huge tree was found to have crashed into several shacks and two young adults were found still trapped under one of the three massive branches."
Rescue crews worked to cut through the fallen tree in order to reach the victims.
One of the trapped individuals regained consciousness after being freed, while the other was declared dead at the scene.
"After cutting off the branch to access the patients, one regained consciousness while the other unfortunately couldn't. On scene medical treatment was initiated but was unsuccessful and the patient was declared deceased by paramedics," Ntladi said.
Three additional residents were accounted for and sustained minor injuries.
They were transported to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the cause of the tree collapse will form part of an ongoing investigation.
The scene was later handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS), which will continue the formal investigation. The deceased was also transferred to forensic pathology services for post-mortem procedures.
Disaster management teams have warned that unstable weather conditions and ageing vegetation in informal settlements can pose heightened risks, particularly during periods of heavy rain or strong winds.
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