Burning sinkhole nearly swallows man in Mpumalanga

The man who fell in a burning sinkhole at Deborah Street in Jackaroo Park, Emalahleni, is in a stable condition, Witbank News reports.

Mr Ben Coetzee was transferred to eMpungweni Hospital earlier this week.

Coetzee was initially rushed to Witbank Hospital on Sunday, August 26 after he fell in a burning sinkhole.

Coetzee’s friend, Mr Mario Victor told the media that they saw kids playing in the open ground where the accident happened and decided to fly kites as the wind was very favourable and take Coetzee’s dog for a walk.

“I was on top of the heap of discarded coal and shouted for Ben to come up as the wind was stronger and made flying more exciting,” Victor said.

He remembers his friend screaming ‘Eina, eina!’

“I rushed to help Ben, but he managed to pull himself out of the hole and rolled to the side. It was awful seeing the burn wounds on his legs and arms,” Victor said.

Mr Gavin Cooper from Legacy Emergency Specialists arrived on scene shortly after the call and confirmed that Coetzee has severe injuries to both his legs, up to his navel and both his arms.

Coetzee is in good spirit between the waves of pain.