Gas tanker tragedy: Tambo Memorial CEO speaks about explosion
The explosion happened on Tambo Memorial Hospital's doorstep, however, the hospital's Accident and Emergency Unit was affected by the blast and could not take in patients.
“We received a lot of spiritual guidance, counselling and debriefing sessions. So we are gradually getting better, but these things take time.”
These are the words of Tambo Memorial Hospital CEO Zenzo Ndabula about how the hospital is coping following the gas tanker explosion on Christmas Eve.
Twelve staff members from the hospital died. They were in a parking area on the premises at the time of the explosion.
“Normally an accident happens outside, but this time it was different. Because our accident and emergency services were not functioning, we called several ambulances to transport all the people that came in from the explosion.
“We never admitted any patients from the explosion. The ambulance services were told not to bring any patients here, which is still the case. We’re not taking in accident and emergency patients,” he said.
The services that since resumed at Tambo Memorial Hospital include the antenatal clinic, operating theatre, outpatient department and maternity services. Areas still affected include the accident and emergency unit, radiology and clinical departments, including maternity services for high-risk patients.
Ndabulo could not confirm when the affected areas are going to be restored and what the costs will be.
The hospital CEO expressed his gratitude towards BLF, Benoni Muslim Charity Organisation (BMCO), The Humanity Foundation and volunteers who helped to clean up the hospital.
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