Gweru workers die in manhole

Gweru City Council workers allegedly suffocated to death

TWO Gweru City Council workers allegedly suffocated to death in a sewer manhole after inhaling suspected toxic gases.

Council spokesperson, Vimbai Chingwaramusee, confirmed the tragic incident.

"It is with a heavy heart that l announce the tragic loss of two city employees, who passed away while on duty in Athlone,” said Chingwaramusee.

"The incident occurred when they were working on a manhole and unfortunately succumbed to gas suffocation.

"We will conduct thorough investigations into this incident to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future."

Mayor Martin Chivhoko identified the deceased as Richard Longwe and Mary Svinurai.

"This is indeed a sad situation, and disheartening to lose hard working employees in such tragic incidents,” he said.

“On behalf of councillors and management, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Longwe and Svinurai who passed away while serving our community in Athlone.”

Several people took to residents' WhatsApp groups to register their displeasure on the loss of the workers and implored council to ensure "high safety standards" for its employees.

 

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