Johannesburg - A construction worker died when a trench he was working in collapsed in Missionvale near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape police said on Friday.
Xolani Selani, 22, was inside the trench measuring its depth when the walls collapsed on Thursday, said Warrant officer Alwin Labans.
Trenches were being dug for water pipes and drainage in the area. The wet walls collapsed trapping him underneath.
Labans said two Caterpillar construction vehicles had to be used to remove his body from the mud.
He was not sure whether work was continuing at the construction site.
An inquest docket was opened and police were investigating. - Sapa