S.African President Escapes from Injury

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, August 10, 2003

S.African President Escapes from Injury

South African President Thabo Mbeki escaped from injury when the tent roof over a stage caved during a Women's Day event in front of the Presidential Palace here on Saturday.

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South African President Thabo Mbeki escaped from injury when the tent roof over a stage caved during a Women's Day event in front of the Presidential Palace here on Saturday.

The incident occurred as a strong wind breezed over the square in front of the Union Building. President Mbeki was waiting to speak on the stage.

The plastic tent roof on aluminum pillars to succumbed to a strong gust of wind, and two large clusters of loudspeaker attached to the pillars fell to the ground.

Mbeki who was sitting on the stage with Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa and Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad were unscathed.

One woman was carried away on a stretcher, but she was suffering more from shock than from injury.

Mbeki appeared unperturbed as he was helped from the stage.

The accident happened about 10 minutes before he was due to speak.

An official said Mbeki was taken home and would return soon to deliver his address. The other dignitaries were taken to a nearby tent apparently for refreshment as attempts were made to restore the public address system.

A crowd of about 3000 people were waiting to see what would happen next.

A fire truck with a built-in sound system has been parked next to the stage to inform the crowd that the celebrations would resume shortly.

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