Particle.news
Download on the App Store

South African TV Chef Mynie Steffens, 43, Dies After Helicopter Strikes Power Lines

Investigators say the aircraft hit power lines during a pesticide-spraying flight at a citrus farm near Patensie.

Overview

  • Steffens and the pilot were pronounced dead at the scene after the helicopter crashed at Roodegrond Farm in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
  • Local reports say the flight was conducting agricultural pest-control work over citrus orchards when it went down.
  • Farm workers witnessed the impact and alerted emergency services, according to farm owner Ruan Scheepers.
  • The Civil Aviation Authority’s accident unit, including the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division, has opened a formal inquiry into the cause.
  • Police said it is too early to release further details, as tributes from colleagues including co-host Aldi van der Walt remembered Steffens’ influence on Speel met Vuur.