A teenage boy and his aunt died when he fell into a maize silo and she slipped in after him trying to save him.

Schoolboy Kerneels Rautenbach, 13, was playing with a friend when he fell into the silo at Groenvlei Farm near Standerton, South Africa, on Friday, 1st July.

His aunt – 33-year-old Jackie Rautenbach – reportedly heard his cries for help and ran to the silo to pull him out.

But as she grappled to save the lad, she slipped and ended up falling in as well.

Paramedics declared the pair dead when they arrived at the farm.

Jackie’s husband was just metres away at the time of the accident but, despite hearing her screams for help, was unable to stop the tragedy.

The police have opened an investigation into the incident, but they do not suspect anything other than an accident.

Laerskool Standerton, where Kerneels was a pupil, took to social media to write: “Our hearts are hurting, our words are few. Kerneels Rautenbach, in your short time with us on earth, you have touched many hearts.

“You will always be remembered for the beautiful boy with the most beautiful heart. Our Stannies are going to miss you.

“Rest in peace Kerneels. Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Rautenbach family.”

Of Jackie, the school wrote: “Our Stannies convey our heartfelt condolences to the Rautenbach family, with the passing of Jackie Rautenbach.

“Jackie was a mom to one of our grade 5 learners. Rest in peace Jackie. You were so brave.”

Grain entrapment or engulfment has a high fatality rate.

Death occurs by asphyxiation when the pressure of the grain is too great to breathe.