Just in: Cry wolf too many times, and no one will believe you – Tornado hits Muldersdrift
It’s hard to believe, but a tornado really did hit Muldersdrift
Krugersdorp and the surrounding areas were devastated by a tornado on Monday, 9 October at about 3pm.
The tornado passed over Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, Cradlestone Mall, Protearif Primary School and Farm City in Ruimsig.
Russel Meiring, spokesperson for ER24, said that two people were injured when a ceiling at Cradlestone Mall collapsed during the tornado.
“ER24 paramedics, Life Healthcare and other services arrived on the scene and found that some of the external structure of the mall had collapsed.
Once inside the mall, paramedics found that a part of the ceiling had fallen in on the patrons.”
The two people were assessed by paramedics and found to have sustained minor to moderate injuries.
“Fortunately, no one was seriously or fatally injured. Security staff from the mall evacuated the area while paramedics treated the two patients. Shortly after, both patients were transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.”
Cradlestone Mall’s management has been contacted and will provide comment as soon as possible.
Read more: WATCH: Breaking News: Tornado hits Cradlestone Mall
The Krugersdorp and Muldersdrift Community Policing Forums (CPFs) also confirmed that a few learners at Protearif Primary School were injured as the tornado tore a path across the school grounds.
“The number of learners injured has not yet been confirmed,” said Gert Jonker, chairman of the Krugersdorp CPF. “The learners were treated by CPF first aiders and emergency service personnel. No serious injuries were reported.
“More than 200 CPF volunteers dedicated their evening to working alongside the emergency services to help those who were affected by the tornado. The sector members assisted community members in their own sectors while others helped in the larger areas that were severely affected.”
After the tornado passed over Farm City in Ruimsig, a group of looters ran onto the premises, and began grabbing kitchen sinks, paintings and other valuables.
BCI Armed Response sent out a distress call for backup to help prevent the looters from ransacking the store. The distress call received a tremendous response as squads from Drift Reaction, Dowry Guarding and Armed Response and other private security companies raced to the scene to help the BCI members.
Also Read: Breaking News: Tornado hits greater Ruimsig and Pinehaven areas
The scene was swiftly secured, and BCI, which is contracted to Farm City, will keep watch overnight to ensure the scene remains secure.
Meanwhile, West Rand Fire and Rescue cleared fallen trees from the N14 at the Hendrik Potgieter Road/ R28 intersection to ensure traffic kept moving.
Netcare Pinehaven Hospital’s parking lot was destroyed by the tornado, and some scaffolding collapsed. There were fortunately no reports of injuries from the hospital.
https://www.facebook.com/krugersdorpnews/videos/1824845634211170/
All ambulance services were on high alert, all police dispatched and everyone who was able to help did so.
The cost of the damage to the properties is subject to investigation. Luckily no fatalities were reported.
Jonker said that the swift reaction to the crisis would not have been possible without the input of all the emergency services personnel.
“Everybody helped. I’ve never seen a group of people working together so fantastically like I saw today. A big thanks to every single person who assisted today. We truly are a family, not just a community.”
The News will do follow-up articles as more information becomes available.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
