A Rhodes University student is receiving intensive care at a Port Elizabeth hospital after losing an arm in an acccident at the municipality's Belmont Valley Waste Water Tratment Plant.
A Rhodes University student is receiving intensive care at a Port Elizabeth hospital after losing an arm in an acccident at the municipality's Belmont Valley Waste Water Tratment Plant.
The student was airlifted from the plant to St George's Hospital after his arm was severed by a spiral blade in industrial machinery, Makana Fire and Rescue Unit Chief William Welkom said.
According to Rhodes communications officer Catherine Deiner the Masters Science student was conducting research at the restricted site. The accident took place on Friday 20 March in the afternoon.
In an emailed statement to Grocott's Mail on Tuesday, Deiner wrote, "A Rhodes University MSc student, who was conducting research at the municipality's Belmont Valley Treatment Plant was involved in an accident which resulted in his arm being amputated below the elbow.
"He has been receiving excellent medical care and is being supported by Rhodes University.
The Director of Student Affairs spent yesterday afternoon with the student, who under the circumstances, is in good spirits."
According to Deiner the accident is being investigated by Rhodes University.
"The Director of Student Affairs is taking the matter very seriously.
The student needs time to recover and is being given support by the University," said Deiner.
Municipal spokesperson Yoliswa Ramokolo said the municipality was awaiting a report from the manager of the site about the incident.
However, Ramokolo said the student was an unauthorised visitor and that further investigation is likely to take place.
Welkom said the student was taking samples from a machine known as a mechanical screen while it was on.
"The machine was in the process of dragging him all downwards, but luckily one of the workers switched the machine off," Welkom said.
According to unconfirmed reports the student spent two hours stuck in the machine because there was no equipment available to free him.
A grinder was used to break the machine apart in order to free the student, Welkom said.
* Original version edited.
