THE “Blue Subaru” incident refers to the gruesome accident that took place during the early hours of April 27, 2014 at the Osborn bridge on the N17 East highway in Wadeville.
A 19-year-old at the time, Lizahn Venter, was driving the blue Subaru at a speculated 160 km/h when the right rear tyre ‘rapidly deflated’ which caused the driver to lose control of the car and smash into the bridge. The car shred to pieces and claimed the lives of two of her passengers, Reynard Burger (19) and Chanel Lombaard (19).
Lizahn had three passengers in total, and everyone (herself included) are Alberton residents. Gustav Lewis, the third passenger, was lucky enough to be alive, although he and Lizahn suffered serious injuries. They recovered at the Union Hospital.
MUST READ: Teenager killed after an accident on the N17
A case of culpable homicide and negligent driving were made against her. On the morning of December 14, 2017, she had her sentencing hearing at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court. She was found not guilty.
This, according to the court, was based on Lizahn not having had any control over the tyre ‘rapidly deflating’, and, if it wasn’t for this problem with the tyre, the accident would likely not have been fatal or even happened.
The court also said that the speed she was driving was not the reason the accident happened and that she could never have stopped her two passengers from losing their lives when hitting the bridge.
Before the accident happened, everyone in the car attended a birthday party together. However, there is no proof to suggest that she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the accident occurred.
The family of the deceased and the attorney who is defending their case, Rudi Krause from BDK Attorneys, did not want to comment too much, however, he said they will definitely be investigating this verdict and appeal it.
Family members and close friends of the deceased all agree that, after three years of painful mourning, they still have no closure.
Also Read:
N17 highway accident leaves two dead and seven seriously injured
Police to investigate N17 accident
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