George Mayor conveys condolences following fatal farm incident

The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Browen Johnson, has extended his sincere condolences to the families of the three men who lost their lives following a chemical-related incident on a farm near Herold’s Bay on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.

“This is a deeply tragic incident that has affected our community. On behalf of George Municipality, I extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the three men who lost their lives. Our thoughts are also with everyone affected by this tragedy,” said Mayor Johnson.

Lee-Anne Meiring, Director of Community Safety and Mobility at George Municipality, confirmed that the Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services received an emergency call reporting that people had reportedly fallen into a tank. “The first fire vehicle arrived at the scene at 11:22. Metro Ambulance personnel were already on site, and all casualties had been removed from the container and building. Ambulance personnel were conducting triage and providing medical treatment,” Meiring said.

George Fire and Rescue Services assisted with the emergency response in accordance with applicable procedures, using specialised protective equipment where required.

Meiring confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events preceding the arrival of emergency services and the cause of death, remain subject to an ongoing South African Police Service (SAPS) investigation. “The Municipality respects the investigative process and will refrain from commenting on details that could potentially compromise the ongoing investigation,” Meiring added.

The relevant Department of Employment and Labour, environmental authorities and law enforcement agencies have been informed. Enquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to SAPS.

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