PATIENTS ran screaming when a storm hit their hospital, ripping the roof off five wards.
Beds and floors were covered with dirty water at Hlabisa Hospital in Nongoma, KZN.
The maternity ward was among those damaged by the strong wind and heavy rain.
Although the storm lasted less than 30 minutes, it wrecked the hospital and two houses. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Witnesses told how patients pushed each other in panic as they ran out of the hospital.
Patient Nompilo Zulu (27) said she was waiting for her medication when she heard screams from other wards.
“I saw nurses rushing to save patients. We ran for our lives and stood in the passages,” said Nompilo.
“Suddenly the heavy rain stopped and the sun came out, but the hospital was a mess.”
Nompilo said she decided to leave without her medication.
“I feel sorry for the women in the maternity ward. It was hard for them to walk as some of them were in labour. Others still had stitches after giving birth.”
A staff member said patients were moved into undamaged wards.
A resident, Nomusa Dladla (35) said the storm also hit two houses, but no one was hurt.
