TOP Eastern Cape Department of Education officials visited the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Hospital after six learners from Maqongwana Senior Secondary School in Mbizana were recently admitted due to a fire.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education, Mali Mtima, said the incident occurred at the school while learners were assisting a cleaner in moving tile adhesive and sanitiser out of the storeroom.
“Seemingly, during the process, the learners spilt the sanitiser. Unfortunately, the spilt sanitiser ignited, causing nearby containers to explode and burn the learners. Upon learning of the incident, the school called an ambulance, which took the learners to the hospital. Four of them were admitted, while two were discharged,” said Mtima.
He added that the four remaining learners are still admitted and are receiving medical attention at the hospital.
Mtima confirmed that some of them were later transferred to Mthatha General Hospital in Mthatha for further medical assessment and support.
He did not mention the number of those who were transferred to Mthatha.
“The district has activated psychosocial support for the affected learners, which includes counselling and debriefing sessions for both the learners and their families.”
MEC for the Department of Education, Fundile Gade, extended well-wishes to the learners.
“We have seen the learners and their families during our hospital visits, and we wish them a speedy recovery. Additionally, an internal investigation will be conducted to determine what led to this incident.
“As a caring department, we will ensure that all affected families receive support to visit their children in Mthatha.
“I also want to assure the parents and families that the department, in collaboration with the school and the district, will provide the learners with an opportunity to write their final examinations once they are discharged. It is the right thing to do during this challenging period,” said Gade.
The spokesperson for the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape, Mkhululi Ndamase, confirmed that one learner has been to theatre and is recovering well.
“The second one is expected to go to theatre soon,” said Ndamase.
