Father, son burnt in sub-station explosion

He is currently in ICU and has been put under heavy sedation since Monday night, according to girlfriend, Samantha Hough. His father, Deon who is also in hospital being treated for burns. “He was burnt on his left hand and forearm, as well as his face. I am heart broken to see the people I care for in this state. The doctors say Jacques can hear me but he can’t move or respond. Once he is out of the danger and the risk of infection has been lowered, he will be moved to a general ward and allowed visitors. He will be in hospital for the next three months and after that, he will be back and forth for plastic surgery and check-ups. The doctor said to give it a year before he is fully healed but it also depends on the type of person he is and how fast he can heal,” she said.

When she first heard of the accident she went into an immediate state of panic. “Jacques and his father were working at the sub-station which is a high-risk area with enough volts to kill a person.

I managed to let him know that I was there for him. He sighed as he looked up at me, he looked so frightened,” cried Hough.

The younger van der Berg is described as a determined and passionate. He loves fishing. “I have no doubt in my mind that this won’t hold him back from enjoying his life once again. It’s just going to take a bit of time and patience on his side. He is my everything and ever since the accident I’ve been chanting to myself that he and his father wíll be alright,” she added.

Support from friends, family and strangers has given the family strength in this difficult time and they are thanked for the hundreds of prayers and well wishes.