Workers, patients and the whole community at Donald Fraser Hospital were left traumatised on Monday, following an explosion at the hospital's main kitchen.

The incident, which occurred around 12:00, left one worker, Mr Reuben Musingadi (47), dead and seven of his colleagues injured. The circumstances leading to the incident are still sketchy.

Information from the Department of Health is that Musingadi was busy with his daily chores in the kitchen with other workers. Ms Adele van der Linde, spokesperson for the department, said that Mr Musingadi was with some of his colleagues, including students doing their internship at the hospital, when the electric steam pot exploded.

"Mr Musingadi was killed on impact and another worker, Mr Tshifhiwa Nemushungwa, was injured in the accident. The explosion damaged all of the cooking equipment and some of the kitchen infrastructure. Mr Nemushungwa was admitted to the hospital and is currently in a stable condition, with only minor injuries. The other six employees were taken to casualty where they received treatment and counselling," said van der Linde.

She said the family of Mr Musingadi had been brought to the scene.

Van der Linde added that the cause of the explosion had not been established so far, but that it would form part the investigation that was being undertaken. "The SAPS, explosives experts and the fire brigade have taken over the scene. Thorough forensic investigations are underway to establish the cause of the accident and this will include a probe into the factors, such as service and maintenance, possible human error and other external factors. Once we have the results of these investigations, we will pronounce the reason for the accident as well as corrective measures to be taken, if any,” she said.

She also mentioned that the food for patients is at present being prepared at the nearby Hayani Hospital, as most of the kitchen has been damaged.

Meanwhile, the DA in Limpopo came out strongly against the loss of life and injuries and urged the MEC for health, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, to probe the explosion urgently.

Reacting after the explosion, DA Limpopo leader Mr Jacques Smalle said the accident could have been averted if the department had changed the equipment, which is said to be very old. “The situation at our hospitals is very dangerous to work in and similar incidents could be imminent if the department does not maintain its equipment. Staff are already working in difficult conditions, with severe staff shortages and large numbers of patients. Hospital infrastructure in general is also not up to scratch, placing pressure on staff and their ability to deliver quality medical services. It is completely unacceptable that basic kitchen appliances are also defective and clearly pose a danger,” Smalle added.

Mr Musingadi’s brother, Mr Takalani Musingadi, said the family was overwhelmed with grief and in a state of shock. “Reuben was a good man who looked after his family. He was the sole breadwinner in the family. He has six kids, who are now left without a father. They have no one to look after them.”

He said Reuben had a premonition about his death and wanted to sort his things out before he died. “Recently he phoned me and told me that he wanted one of his daughters to stay with me and attend school where I stay. This surprised me that he suddenly wanted this arrangement,” added Musingadi.

Funeral arrangements are underway and the funeral is set for this weekend.