A tragic road accident on the N12 near Putfontein Road in Ekurhuleni has claimed the lives of four pupils and left five others critically injured. The collision occurred on Monday morning, prompting a swift response from emergency services and leading to the temporary closure of the freeway.
The Incident
The accident happened around 7 a.m. when two vehicles collided on the N12, just before the Putfontein Road off-ramp. According to William Ntladi, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services Department, all the deceased were scholars from Daveyton, traveling to their respective schools.
“The entire freeway is closed for traffic as rescue teams are busy with the rescue and recovery of entrapped patients in vehicles,” Ntladi said. He urged motorists to use alternative routes, such as the Kingsway or Etwatwa off-ramps, to avoid congestion and potential further accidents.
Emergency Response
Emergency teams worked tirelessly to extricate the injured from the wreckage. Five pupils were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries, while the bodies of the deceased were recovered from the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
Ntladi emphasized the importance of caution for motorists in the area. “We encourage motorists to please exercise caution as this may lead to another road accident,” he said.
Community in Mourning
The tragic incident has left the Daveyton community in shock and mourning. Schools in the area are expected to provide counseling and support to students and staff affected by the loss. The accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers on South Africa’s roads, particularly during peak traffic hours.
Calls for Improved Road Safety
This devastating crash has reignited calls for improved road safety measures on the N12 and other major routes. Authorities are urging drivers to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
What’s Next?
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and the injured pupils. The Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services Department has assured the public that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
For now, the community is left to grieve and reflect on the fragility of life, while authorities work to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.
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