An employee at the Ekurhuleni department of environmental development died when the tractor she was driving turned over and fell on top of her, the municipality said on Tuesday.
“Five colleagues who were present at the time, tried to rescue her from under the tractor but their efforts were not enough, spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said.
“The 38-year-old, who was employed as a general worker by the metro last year, was eventually freed after the tractor was pulled away by another metro vehicle.”
The accident happened in Springs at about 11.30 on Monday, he said.
The woman, Kedibone Ruth Mokatse, was declared dead on the scene.
“The incident has sent shock waves throughout the metro, especially the five colleagues who witnessed the incident unfold, Dlamini said.
“We are, however, puzzled by this incident because as a general worker the employee’s functions did not include driving a tractor.”
The municipality had launched an investigation into Mokatse’s death.