One serious injury in blast that had Heidelberg buzzing
SAPS lauds CPF members for swift response and outstanding crises management
A gas bottle exploded at a house in Rensburg, Heidelberg at approximately 20:00 last night (May 21) leaving one middle-aged man with serious injuries.
Heidelberg Volunteer Medics (HVM) confirmed that Banie Coetzee (42) sustained several serious burns over his body and that damage was caused to his airway.
He was treated on scene and taken to Life Suikerbosrand Hospital by Emer-G-Med where he was admitted to ICU.
The blast, which could be felt from as far away as the Boschfontein plots (18km away), resulted in the windows of several houses in the area being blown out.
“I was watching television in my lounge and the next thing I was on the floor after that bang,” a local Karate instructor who lives a few houses away from where the blast took place, told HERAUT at the scene.
Maritza Joubert, daughter of Trompie van Wyk (neighbour) described the blast as terrifying, and was just thankful that her family wasn’t hurt.
“Nearly all the windows of our house were blown out. It was a terrifying experience.
*Community quick to react
Within minutes after the explosion members of Heidelberg CPF were at the scene and cordoned off the area.
Several concerned/nosy residents made their way to the scene, but were met by the CPF members who, through good discipline and teamwork helped ensure the safety of their fellow residents.
Heidelberg SAPS Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Viljoen commended these men and women for their outstanding work.
In another show of outstanding teamwork Suzan Basson of Crime Stop Security coordinated with other security companies to ensure that security guards were posted in this area where multiple households were left with empty window frames.
UPDATE: Banie was transferred to Netcare Union Hospital in Alberton the next day.
