A wall collapse in Pietermaritzburg has left one child dead and another seriously injured, leaving the community in mourning.
Rachel Soobiah, the Ward 30 councillor, said the boys, both aged 11, were standing near a property’s boundary wall on Springvale Road, in Northdale, when it collapsed on them on Tuesday afternoon.
They are Grade 6 pupils at Springhaven Primary School.
“Both the boys lived in the same area and were friends who played together on most days. After school, they went home to change out of their uniforms. They then met each other and were standing near the wall, which is opposite the school, when it collapsed on them.
“The one child died at the scene, while the other suffered serious injuries to his legs, and was taken to hospital. He is undergoing an operation today. Both their families, the school and the community have been left devastated. It is a big tragedy in our community. We are now doing our best to assist the families during this difficult time,” she said.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said Mountain Rise police have registered an inquest docket for investigation.