Electrician survives after third degree burns

WITH third degree burns over 85% of his body, the recovery of Dundee electrician, Johan ‘Andre’ Vorster is deemed nothing short of miraculous.

Even doctors are amazed after witnessing his healing and recovery.

Late last year, Johan and his colleague, Kallie Carelse were installing a mini electrical sub station at their place of work in Glencoe, when a fault in one of the switches resulted in a massive explosion.

Oil was spilled all over them and both men were engulfed in raging flames.

They were immediately transported to Netcare The Bay Hospital, under the care of Drs Kelling, Van Rooyen and Lacey, who have built up a fine reputation for achieving the highest rate of burn survivors in the last five years.

A dermal substitute (artificial skin) procedure was undertaken directly after their admission, after which the patients were placed in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

They were both also diagnosed with respiratory and renal failure.

Many were doubtful of the victims’ chances of survival, but both pulled through and are well on their way to a full recovery.

Carelse was discharged in February after months of medical care, and his colleague is soon to follow.

To date, Vorster has undergone 26 surgeries over a period of three months.

‘I am grateful to be alive. There was a time when I thought I wouldn’t make it.

‘The treatment I’m receiving from my doctor and hospital staff has been excellent,’ he said.

He is expected to leave the hospital in the next two weeks and is currently undergoing a rehabilitation process, which involves the occupational and physical therapists helping him to improve his functional independence.

‘I cannot wait to get back into life,’ Vorster said optimistically during an interview on Thursday.

Apart from seeing his entire family, the 36-year-old is excited to head back home to marry his long time girlfriend, Samantha, who he proposed to just after the incident occurred.

‘This accident made me realise what’s the most important thing in life – family.’

He is grateful to the community for their constant prayers and support, which he says encouraged him to get well.