Investigations have been opened following the death of six men who were killed at the Salisbury naval base situated at the Durban harbour.

The incident, which was described as a freak accident, also injured about 26 others. The deaths were said to be caused by a methane gas leak in an underground sewer pit at the naval base.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said three of its members were killed due to the gas exposure, as well as three Public Works employees.

The Department of Labour said its inspectors were immediately dispatched to the scene to conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Findings revealed that the men were exposed to high levels of leaking methane in a five metre deep pit. They were declared dead on the scene once paramedics had arrived. According to the department of labour, the men were conducting repairs.

On Friday last week, further investigations were opened to uncover details that could possibly explain the gas leak. According to SANDF, the Military Police and the South African Police Service will carry out these investigations.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring told media that by the time paramedics arrived at the scene, rescue teams were already attending to those who were injured or killed.

“Rescue teams had already retrieved the bodies of six men from the sewer pit,” he said. “Paramedics assessed all six men and found that they showed no signs of life,” he added. “Unfortunately, nothing could be done for the men and they were declared dead on the scene.

Several other patients who had minor injuries were treated on site and later taken to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Of the 26 that were injured, about 21 included navy officers who tried to rescue the workers. They were also rushed to hospital as they were also affected by the gas.