KZN EMS paramedics and emergency officials responded to several areas in the Estcourt and Winterton area – including Phangweni, Rensberg and Loskop – which had been lashed by a severe thunderstorm on Saturday evening.
The extent of the destruction was initially unknown, as most of the damage took place in semi-rural areas.
Several people were injured in the storm and buildings were damaged. In the Phangweni area, lightning struck a thatched roof house. A woman and four children in the house were severely injured from a combination of the lightning striking the house, debris falling from the roof and the ensuing fire which completely gutted the small house.
KZN EMS paramedics, trying to get to the small house in pitch-darkness (a power failure affected a large area), were not able to reach the scene, as the iron roof from a nearby house had been blown off and was lying on the road. The strong winds had also blown the electricity poles down and there were live cables lying on the road.
The local councillor and neighbours assisted the family and brought them to the ambulance. The paramedics treated the five for various traumatic injuries before transporting them to Estcourt Hospital.
There was also a report of another house apparently being struck by lightning and also burning down in the Rensberg area. The people in this house were transported privately to hospital. A 16-year-old girl was treated for injuries after being picked up by paramedics from a clinic in Loskop. As to exactly how the girl was injured is still uncertain, but it is believed to be storm-related.
Damages included power lines being blown down and destruction to buildings, the extent of which is still being assessed by officials.
Information supplied by Robert Mckenzie, Media Liaison Officer: Emergency Medical Services
