The families of the healthcare heroes who died tragically in the helicopter crash on Thursday afternoon (January 21) near Estcourt will visit the crash site for a private ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, January 27).
Netcare group CEO Dr Richard Friedland today (January 26) said that a private visit will take place on Wednesday this week to the scene of the accident for the families of the fallen heroes who passed away in last week’s catastrophic helicopter tragedy.
A convoy will leave from Johannesburg, transporting the families of the deceased – as well as colleagues from Netcare and the National Airways Corporation (NAC) – to the site.
According to Craig Grindell, managing director of Netcare 911, a special ceremony has been planned in close consultation with the family members of those who lost their lives onboard Netcare 1.
“This is understandably an incredibly important and meaningful visit for the families and colleagues of our fallen heroes. It is a strictly private and sacred ceremony and we ask on behalf of the families that their right to appropriately mourn in private is respected. The ceremony will only be attended by close family members and accompanying colleagues of the deceased from Netcare, Netcare 911, Netcare Milpark Hospital and NAC,” noted Friedland.
Also read: Netcare release names of healthcare heroes who died in helicopter crash
“Once again, our deepest sympathies are with the families, loved ones and colleagues of Dr Kgopotso Rudolf Mononyane, an anaesthetist; Dr Curnick Siyabonga (Siya) Mahlangu, a cardiothoracic surgeon; Mpho Xaba, a specialist theatre nurse for cardiothoracic and transplant (all from Netcare Milpark Hospital); Sinjin Joshua Farrance, an advanced life support paramedic at Netcare 911; as well as the pilot of the helicopter, Mark Stoxreiter, who worked for the National Airways Corporation. In the days since the tragic event, we have continued to provide our full support and assistance to the next-of-kin of the deceased.
“As Netcare, we carry the families and loved ones of our dear deceased colleagues in our hearts with love and respect, and will ensure that their wishes are not only respected but carefully carried out during this extremely difficult time,” added Grindell.
Dr Friedland concluded by stating that “Netcare and NAC can confirm that technical teams from Bell, the helicopter manufacturer, and Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the helicopter’s engines, will be arriving in South Africa on Wednesday to assist with the investigation of the accident. As the operator of the helicopter, Bell’s Independent Representative & Customer Support Facility and Rolls-Royce’s Authorised Maintenance Centre for the region, NAC, is giving its fullest support and co-operation to the South African Civil Aviation Authority, who have already begun their investigation.”
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