A 40-year-old Phoenix woman has been hospitalised with a diagnoses of partial memory loss, a concussion and bodily injuries after she allegedly fell off a shoe shiner’s chair at the inaugural Florida Road Street market, last Sunday.
Prashansha “Preshie” Singh was out with her family when the incident happened. Her father, former member of Parliament (MP) Omie Singh recalls how a happy family outing turned into a medical nightmare.
“While walking past the stalls my daughter who was the only one from my group wearing a pair of white takkies was called by a stallholder who was promoting a polish for the cleaning of white takkies. We were all in a carnival mood and took out our cellphones to photograph my daughter as she stepped onto a wooden base on which stood a reclining chair that was being used to seat clients while their takkies were being cleaned. I must point out that the reclining chair was not bolted onto the wooden base. As soon as she sat on the said chair, the chair fell backwards resulting in her toppling over with the chair. Falling backwards, she hit her head on the pavement and her body came to rest on the road surface rendering her unconscious. Paramedics were called immediately and treated an injury on her right arm and legs,” said Singh.
“As my daughter lost consciousness and appeared dazed after the fall we decided to go back home. Later that same evening she started complaining about severe and unbearable headaches. We rushed her to uMhlanga Hospital Trauma Unit where she was examined by the doctor in charge who consulted with a neurosurgeon, and it was then recommended that a brain scan and X-rays be done and immediate admission to the hospital. She has since remained in hospital and is being treated by a physician, neurologist, neurosurgeon and a physiotherapist among other medical practitioners,” added Singh.
According to Singh, doctors have since diagnosed his daughter with a concussion and partial loss of memory. “As a family we are extremely concerned for my daughter’s well being. But we are also concerned as to how the organisers run such a dangerous, hazardous event without the consideration of public safety. Surely for an event with such high expectations more should be done to ensure the safety of patrons,” said the former MP.
Following numerous phone calls and emails. Singh confirmed on Monday morning that he was contacted by the eThekwinin Municipality for a meeting. At the time of going to press, the outcome of the meeting was not known.
