'We saw some of our own in great pain’ – Tambo Memorial Hospital CEO

Health minister Joe Phaahla, Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko and Tambo Memorial Hospital CEO Senzo Ndabula are among the officials who took part in a candle lighting ceremony at the memorial service of the victims of the deadly Boksburg tanker explosion on 24 December.

Eleven healthcare workers from the Tambo Memorial Hospital are among the 34 killed after a tanker that was transporting liquid petroleum gas (LPG) became stuck under a low-lying bridge and exploded.

Ndabula says colleagues of the deceased hospital staff have looked past their own emotional pain and trauma to continue rendering services.

“…we saw patients and some of our own in great pain, and we heard the screams. We saw and heard the explosion. There are some of us that are struggling to cope. Are we safe, where is the next explosion going to come from? Is it safe for us to come to work? It seems as if it is not yet over, but in our own moment of pain and grief we ate expected to serve the community that we love and we understand that we are united with our community in grief and pain.”

The CEO says most services have been restored.

“Please pardon us for not being able to render the services you need. In our pain and imperfection, we have started to restore some of our services. The ante-natal clinic which has shattered windows has started functioning today [Friday], operations theatre started functioning today, our out-patient department is functioning, and we are starting with maternity services for non-critical [patients]. The accident and emergency department and radiology will take time to restore services, but we remain committed.”

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During his visit to the hospital to assess the extent of the damages, Human Settlements, and Infrastructure Development MEC Lebogang Maile said the blast had not compromised the structural integrity of the building, however, initial cost estimates showed that at least R18 million would be needed for repairs.

Nursing union Denosa’s Simphiwe Gama has pleaded with government officials to not allow the tragedy to become an opportunity for corruption.

“The damage on the infrastructure should not be an opportunity for looting like we have seen at Charlotte Maxeke. We have already seen, in a short space of time, people saying that R18 million is needed to sort out the damage. A thorough investigation and assessment must be made.”

Gama called on the government to erect a wall of remembrance for the victims.  

At the same time, mourners at the gathering became emotional as the names of the deceased were displayed on a screen.