Wreckage mystery on R24 near Edenvale off-ramp
The NEWS first noticed the vehicle wreckage near the Edenvale off-ramp on the R24 on May 29.
Despite numerous enquiries, the NEWS is still unable to determine the cause of a recent crash on the R24.
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The NEWS first noticed the vehicle wreckage near the Edenvale off-ramp on the R24 on May 29.
The following day, May 30, the wreckage had not been removed and had started attracting attention.
During the time the NEWS spent on the scene, numerous motorists had stopped either on the motorway or along Herman Road to view the wreckage and take photographs.
Other motorists were seen slowing down on the highway, often slamming on brakes to take a look.
An enquiry for comment was sent to numerous departments on May 30 and focused on wreckage removal and safety.
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The comment was requested by June 2.
The NEWS also questioned what the possible cause of the crash was and whether any injuries or fatalities were recorded.
Added to this, the NEWS asked why the vehicle wreckage was not removed on the night of the crash as well as what the given time frame was for a vehicle wreckage to be removed and for how long vehicle wreckage was allowed to be left at the side of a major roadway?
Another question in the enquiry focused on which department was responsible for wreckage removal on highways and suburban roads.
The NEWS also questioned how leaving wreckages along highways affects the safety of other motorists.
The NEWS first contacted SANRAL and was advised that the R24 belonged to the Gauteng Roads and Transport Department (GPDRT) and that all enquiries should be directed to them.
The department told the NEWS that it did not have records of a crash on the R24 and enquiries should be directed to local authorities, including the EMPD and emergency services.
The spokesperson for the EMPD Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa told the NEWS that according to the EMPD’s accident reconstruction unit, there is no record indicating that EMPD officers responded to the accident or crash in question.
“We double-checked on the northern region files and also in the southern regions of the city. Maybe other law enforcers responded to it and recorded details,” Thepa said.
The NEWS resent the enquiry with a focus on road safety and wreckage removal.
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DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi stated that according to operational jurisdiction, the mentioned area is serviced by the Primrose Fire Station.
“Unfortunately, they didn’t service the call as stated.
“I am still awaiting feedback from the Edenvale Fire Station,” he said.
To accommodate the request for further comment the NEWS decided to hold the story for another week.
At the time of going to print the NEWS was still waiting for further comment from the EMPD.
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