It is believed that a lower roof was being replaced with a higher one when the incident happened
TWENTY Beefmaster employees in Kenilworth were transported to Lenmed Royal Hospital and Heart Centre yesterday morning for assessment after roof panels collapsed on them.
According to the CEO of Beefmaster, Louw van Reenen, the incident happened at approximately 9am yesterday morning, when three polystyrene roof panels collapsed at the carton freezer area of Beefmaster Kimberley.
“Emergency services were called and 20 employees were sent to Lenmed hospital to be observed. Three employees were then admitted to the hospital for further observation and treatment and 17 employees were discharged later on the same day.”
Van Reenan said that the incident was currently under investigation and the root cause of the incident would be determined once completed.
It is believed that a lower roof was being replaced with a higher one when the incident happened.
According to Van Reenan, all the employees were wearing hard hats and protective clothing at the time.
The hospital manager of Lenmed Royal Hospital and Heart Centre, Hector Mackay, confirmed that the patients were admitted to the hospital’s accident and emergency unit at around 11am.
“The last patient was discharged at 3pm. No one was admitted to the wards.” He stated that the injuries ranged from lower back pain, neck and shoulder injuries and soft tissue injuries.
“None of the injuries were serious.” – Staff Reporter
