A powerful storm ripped the roof off the administration building of drug rehabilitation facility, Benelong’s Haven, at Kinchela yesterday afternoon.
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A balcony, which previously adjoined the structure, was also destroyed.
It is believed the administration block also contained a kitchen and common room.
Fortunately, nobody was injured as Benelong’s Haven closed down recently and is largely unoccupied with the exception of a caretaker and his wife, who were in another building.
Vic Henderson of South West Rocks’ SES told the Argus when his team arrived at the scene, they found the roof 100 to 150 feet away laying on a private road which exists on the property and builders’ foil, insulation and custom orb scattered everywhere.
With electrical wires dangerously exposed their primary concern was to cut the power to the administration building, which proved rather difficult.
After being given a bucket of keys by the caretaker, the team were unable to locate the one it needed to unlock the appropriate power box, so decided to turn off the electricity to the entire site via the main line.
Once the immediate threat to lives was nullified, the crew began work to limit further damage and protect the remaining assets.
“The building was too large to tarp entirely, so we collected electrical equipment such as computers and printers, and placed them in a dry room,” said Mr Henderson.
“Then covered as much furniture as possible.
“It was a pretty major and heavy cell that came through.
“The only way the roofing iron could have been mangled so much was for a super cell event to have occurred.”
South West Rocks’ SES workers have been flat out since 11pm Christmas Eve but are hoping a fine weekend ahead will offer some relief.
