In ICU after electrical accident

Municipal employee, Jamie Bird, suffered serious burns when he and other municipal employees went to remove a fallen tree from some electrical wires in Ladanna on Tuesday night.

According to municipal spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, Bird was injured in what is called a “flash over” or faulty electrical discharge.

She said it was standard procedure for a team to be sent out to clear branches and other debris from electrical wires.

Chuene confirmed that Bird was taken to a medical facility and received treatment for his injuries. She did not wish to elaborate on the extent of his injuries.

Bird’s mother, Terry de Bie confirmed the incident and said her son had suffered third degree burns (the most serious type of burn) over 60% of his body. She said he was in a lot of pain, but had been made as comfortable as possible in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Mankweng Hospital.

“I have been told that he will be moved from ICU to the burns unit soon, but they have not yet confirmed this.

“I am grateful that he is alive and we trust that he will get better very soon,” she said.