Women's Day victim paralysed

2003-08-10 17:58

Johannesburg - A 37-year-old woman from the West Rand who was injured when a marquee collapsed at a Women's Day function in Pretoria on Saturday has been paralysed, Muelmed Hospital in Pretoria said on Sunday.

Hospital spokesperson Johann Dednam said a neurosurgeon confirmed that Suraya Scott suffered a "spinal cord injury and was paralysed from the waist down."

Dednam said: "She was brought to the hospital on Saturday afternoon shortly after the incident. She was stabilised and underwent an operation on Sunday afternoon, and is currently in the intensive care unit."

Scott was on stage to receive a Gauteng Women Achievers Award when the incident occurred.

The married mother of a seven-year-old, Scott was self-employed and owned a waste management business.

Dednam said Scott would have to join a rehabilitation programme.

"A paralysed patient would usually have to stay in hospital for about three months and undergo intensive therapy..."

Dednam refused to comment on whether the woman's family would be taking legal action against anyone following the roof collapse.

- SAPA