KZN EMS paramedics and emergency officials responded to several areas in the Estcourt area, including the Phangweni, Rensberg and Loskop areas, which had been lashed by a severe thunder storm.
Several people were injured in the storm and buildings were damaged. In the Phangweni area lighting stuck a thatch roof house. A lady and four children in the house were severely injured from a combination of the lighting striking the house, debris falling from the roof and the ensuring fire which completely guttered the small house. KZN EMS paramedics trying to get to the small house in the pitch darkness (there was a power failure affecting a large area) were not able to reach the scene as the iron roof from a nearby house had been brown off and was lying on the road. The strong winds had also blown the electricity poles down and there was live cables lying on the road.
The local councillor and neighbours assisted the family and brought them to the ambulance. The paramedics treated the five, for various traumatic injuries before transporting them to Estcourt hospital.
There was also a report of a house which was also apparently struck by lightning and also burnt down in the Rensberg area. The people from this house were transported privately to hospital. While a 16year old girl was treated for injuries after being pricked up by paramedics from a clinic in Loskop, as to exactly how the girl was injured is still uncertain but it is believed believe to be storm related.
There damages included power lines being blown over and damages to buildings, the extent of which is still being assessed by officials.
Disaster management officials are on location assessing the damages and helping those affected.
ENDS
For more information please contact :
Robert Mckenzie
Media Liaison Officer: Emergency Medical Services