KNP drama: Rangers discharged
Seven trainee rangers had to be transported to various hospitals by medical teams after a wooden deck at the Mopani Rest Camp collapsed.
The drama unfolded on Thursday 23. Initial reports suggested that it were tourists.
Reports however said that the deck collapsed with 14 trainee rangers who stood on the deck take photos.
Of the 14 trainees, seven had to be transported to various hospitals by medical teams due to injuries sustained.
According to information supplied by the EMS, two learners were critically injured and had to be airlifted to hospital.
“Five people were transported to various hospitals by Maponya 911, TEMS 911, and Thabo EMS ambulances respectively,” stated the Phalaborwa CPF Medical Services, Jaco Gerecke.
A close source who was at the scene after the accident, revealed that the wooden deck was higher than 3metres from the ground and with rocks at the bottom.
The HERALD contacted the Kruger National Park Spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, and he confirmed that there was indeed an accident which occurred next to a pub at the Mopani Camp.
“We are busy with investigations into the collapse of the deck at Mopani restaurant, where 17 individuals were injured,” stated Isaac Phaahla.
Also read: BREAKING: Two critically injured in KNP when wooden deck collapsed
Phaahla also mentioned that SANParks’ major concern at this point in time was not to apportion blame but rather to wish all those who were injured a speedy recovery.
The HERALD was also notified by the EMS that all the injured people, including the two that were critically injured and airlifted, have been discharged from hospitals.
“I am very happy to let everyone know that all the trainee rangers who fell when the walkway collapsed at Mopani, are all doing well,” stated Jaco Gerecke. According to a very reliable source within the park, the walkway deck in Mopani Camp was reported to have been unsafe.
“The park has no maintenance, I know some people that complained to the Mopani Management about that deck saying that ‘it was a safety hazard’ three years ago,” stated Sally Waldo [not real name].
“Had it been old people on that deck when it collapsed, they would be dead and their bodies broken.
These people don’t care, they only care about their salaries and that is it.
This is a disaster,” stated Sally.
The source also claims that people have been complaining about the deck at Mopani almost on a weekly basis but it was never taken into consideration, thus no inspection was done.
The HERALD sent out another inquiry to Isaac Phaahla and he said that SANParks would be guided by the outcome of the investigation process.
“These investigations are rather complex in nature and involve legal issues which the organisation would prefer to rather deal with in a confidential manner, respecting the rights and privacy of those affected by this regrettable accident,” he said.
