23 February 2009
The Department of Health in Mpumalanga has learned with shock about one of
our ambulances which was involved in a motor accident 10 kilometres outside
Delmas this morning whilst transporting patients from Witbank Hospital to
Delmas, killing instantly the driver, the public member escorting the patient
and a 65 year old male patient died later at the hospital.
The ambulance, stationed at Delmas Hospital, left the hospital early in the
morning with seven people on board; two patients, two assistant nurses, one
emergency medical service (EMS) escort, one public member escort and the
driver.
On their return from Witbank Hospital which is a referral hospital for
Delmas Hospital, they were involved in this fatal accident that has
unfortunately claimed three lives. The two assistant nurses are critical but
stable, and the ambulance escort and the other patient are all critical.
A high-level team has been established to compile a report on the matter and
explore how the department could assist all affected parties.
The MEC for Health in Mpumalanga, Mr Fish Mahlalela would like to send his
sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, and wish
speedy recovery to all those injured.
For more information contact:
Mpho Gabashane
Cell: 082 802 4937
Issued by: Department of Health, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
23 February 2009
