School fun day turns horrific

2003-08-01 08:48

Lieze du Preez

Sannieshof - Fun turned to terror at Hoerskool Sannieshof's fun day on Thursday when a home-made smoke bomb exploded, ripping a pupil's leg to shreds.

Hours later, 17-year-old Elouise Karsten's leg was amputated below the knee during an emergency operation at Anncron Clinic in Klerksdorp.

"Her leg was hanging on a thread and the injury was so severe doctors had to ampulate," her heartbroken mother Anette Karsten of Lichtenburg said on Thursday night. "You must join us in praying for her."

She and her husband Louis raced to the hospital to be by their daughter's side before her operation on thursday night.

Elouise, a boarder at the school, and her Grade 11 classmates were part of a procession when the accident happened. The device which exploded was part of the celebrations.

Mooi Rivier disctrict police spokesperson Louis Jacobs said the explosion took place at 13:20 on the school's rugby field.

A preliminary investigation found that a pipe stuffed with saltpeter and icing sugar had exploded when connected to a battery with electrical wires.

The device was apparently built as a smoke bomb.

School principal Koos Venter said a number of smoke grenades were lit during the processon.

The pupils then suddenly scattered in all directions.

The explosion took place in front of spectators on the pavilion and everyone suspected it was one of the colourful smoke granades which hit Elouise's leg.

"Luckily emergency staff were nearby and policemen invited to the fun day were immediately at hand to help," he said.

The rugby veld was cordoned off and police explosives experts were called in. Elouise was immediately taken to the hospital in Klerksdorp.

Venter said proceedings continued after a pastor who was present said a prayer.

During the competition parents began to collect money for Elouise's medical expenses.

The family is not on medical aid and the school paid the deposit at the hospital.

- Beeld