UPDATE: The aftermath at tornado-hit mall in Tembisa
Luckily no-one has sustained serious injuries
No-one sustained serious injuries this afternoon when a tornado ripped through Phumulani Mall in Tembisa.
The various emergency services teams that responded to the scene reported different numbers of people who were injured when the strong wind ripped through the centre, causing serious structural damage.
Max Cohen, spokesman for Emer-G-Med, earlier tonight said Tembisa Hospital was also affected.
“Our paramedics found that four people, including a three-year-old boy, had freed themselves from the rubble or were rescued by bystanders. In the end eleven people were rescued from the collapsed structures. Fortunately they only sustained minor to moderate injuries.”
Local authorities are on the scene to investigate and provide disaster relief.
Pictures in this gallery courtesy of ER24, Emer-G-Med and various Kempton Express readers
Werner Vermaak of ER24 said paramedics and rescue workers found debris scattered across the parking lot of the mall as well as twisted metal lying at the entrance. Several vehicles were also damaged.
He said initial reports received indicated several people were trapped under the rubble. “However, upon a scene assessment, emergency workers only found three people with minor injuries. It is believed their injuries were caused by falling debris.
“They were assessed on the scene and transported to hospital. Fire and rescue teams conducted a full search off the area to ensure no one else was trapped.”
The area was closed off by the local police and emergency services.
