The Western Cape Education Department has expressed its condolences after an 8-year-old boy was killed when a rugby scrum machine fell on him in Worcester.

Granville van der Horst, a Grade 2 learner at Esselenpark Primary School, was playing with friends on a sports field in Fairbairn Street on Thursday afternoon, 30 July, when the heavy training equipment reportedly toppled over and trapped him, leading to his death.

Police have opened an inquest docket to determine how the incident occurred.

The Education Department says it will provide psychosocial support to Granville’s family and the school community as they come to terms with the tragedy.

Esselenpark Primary School says the community has been deeply affected by what it has called a freak accident.

In a statement on Facebook, the school says Granville’s passing, whose nickname was “Peanut”, has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, educators and all who knew and loved him.

“On behalf of Mr. K. A. Sass, the Management Team, Governing Body, Educators and Staff of Esselenpark Primary School, we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Van der Horst family and loved ones.”