26 July, 7.17pm
Local resident Nino Ornelas shared a video with the Midrand Reporter depicting the tornado moving:
26 July, 6.51pm
The tornado has left the area with mass casualties, and emergency services are currently on the scene to help local residents.
Spokesperson for EMER-G-MED Max Cohen said, “EMER-G-MED paramedics attended to a mass casualty incident in Tembisa, after a tornado ripped through the Phumlani Mall and a number of shacks in the area in the vicinity of the Tembisa Hospital near, Olifantsfontein Road.”
Cohen added, “At this stage EMER-G-MED has transported four patients including a young child, who sustained minor to moderate injuries after the structure’s collapse.”
Emergency services are currently unsure how many people have been injured or are trapped underneath the rubble.
Cohen said that paramedics and rescue personnel are working tirelessly to search for any further injured, or trapped, victims.
This is a developing story and the Midrand Reporter will follow with updates.
