During the December festive season almost every shopping centre is a hive of activity and it is exceptionally busy. The last few days before Christmas are the busiest times of the year. Many last minute shoppers scurry along from shop to shop in a last bid to complete their shopping. Unfortunately mum and I were also completing our shopping at The Eastgate shopping mall on the last Saturday before Christmas.
Hundreds of people were rushing shop to shop in the mall. We went about to complete our shopping. Shortly after midday we had just entered a jewellery shop when all of a sudden there was a tremendous explosion. My first thoughts were that it was an earthquake. I was so scared that my hair was standing on ends.
I turned around and to my horror there were several people lying down with blood all around them. Pieces of glass were strewn everywhere. Babies were howling and people were running in all directions. The place was in a devastating condition. The police were on the scene within minutes and cordoned off the area. The paramedics arrived soon after and attended to the injured. We got lucky that nothing happened to us. After some two hours the police managed to bring the scene under control. Those severely injured were transported to hospital. It was a horrible sight.
The explosion occurred as a result of a bomb being placed in the parking area. That explains the dogs barking because dogs can sense any kind of danger, including the powder used to make most bombs. If I could use my brain at the right time and warn the security about the bomb. Many lives could be saved.