A farm manager and two farmworkers have died following a chemical incident on a farm near Herold’s Bay in the Garden Route, with 12 other people affected by exposure to the chemicals.

The incident happened on Tuesday, 13 October, while workers were reportedly cleaning a large storage tank containing a mixture of chemicals, including phosphoric acid.

The deceased have been identified as 41-year-old farm manager Mario Lombard and farmworkers Pule Johannes Moshane, 36, and Tiisetso Victor Masela, 33.

According to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), several workers who attempted to help those initially affected also suffered inhalation injuries.

Some of the affected workers received medical treatment at the scene, while others were transported to nearby hospitals.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the three men came into contact with the chemicals, have not yet been established. The incident is being investigated.

Emergency teams contain hazardous scene

GRDM firefighters assisted George Municipality’s emergency services in responding to the chemical incident on the farm.

George Municipality’s firefighters decontaminated the deceased before their bodies were recovered by Forensic Pathology Services.

GRDM firefighters also applied chemical absorbents to cover and contain the affected area.

GRDM Executive Mayor Marais Kruger expressed his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the three people who died.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the three people who tragically lost their lives in the chemical-related incident,” Kruger said.

“Our thoughts are also with the twelve people who sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment, as well as everyone affected by this tragic event.”

Lombard’s wife, Dalena, told the George Herald that her husband had made a lasting impact on the lives of those around him.

“We are grateful for the time we were able to share with him and for having experienced his love, compassion and energy. Mario gave so much of himself to others, whether it was a word of advice, a helping hand, his time or a piece of his heart. He was selfless in everything he did. No challenge was ever too great for him,” she said.

Lombard was among eight finalists in the 2025 Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year competition and was regarded as a respected figure in the industry.

The families of Moshane and Masela could not be reached for comment.