Eyewitness recounts tragic accident following Durban cyclist’s death

CLIFTON College boy, Maxwell du Plooy (23) was training for a triathlon when he tragically passed away on the R102 highway, near Tongaat, on Saturday, August 7.  A fellow cyclist said du Plooy was training for a time trial challenge in three weeks, after developing an interest in triathlon competitions.  

Father Mark du Plooy,  said he was too torn to comment on the incident, but called for motorists to practice greater caution on the roads after his son’s tragic passing. 

“Drivers need to take a bit of extra care. We have so many cyclists being hit on the road. Drivers get off far too easily. It needs to addressed in some form,” he said. 

Also read: Woman hit by motorist while cycling near Durban beach

Haig Gibb was among the group of cyclists riding on the R102 when the fatal accident took place. He said the group was training for the 160km Team Cycle Challenge.

“We were turning at Ballito to head back toward the airport. We were riding in the emergency lane in a single file. A driver was overtaking a row of four cars. Suddenly the vehicle was coming toward us, there was no where to go. We all braked and some cyclists fell over. I was lucky enough not to fall as I was at the back and managed to swerve around. We didn’t know what had happened to Max. We were going quite fast at the time. Then we saw Max’s bike and couldn’t see him. The guys in the car that hit him were shouting at us to come help. Then we saw his helmet under the car and realised he was under the car. We tried to lift the car but decided it wasn’t a good idea in case we made it worse. Paramedics and police arrived soon after,” said Gibb. 

Also read: Two killed, five injured in Brickfield Road accident

Gibb said du Plooy wanted to start competing in triathlons and take on Iron Man next year. He had joined the group of cyclists to train. 

“Max was honestly the nicest guy. It was such a pleasure having him ride with us. He was full of life, always smiling,” said Gibb. 

Spokesperson for IPSS Medical Rescue, Paul Herbst said: “On arrival of paramedics, they were greeted by a chaotic scene. It was reported that a vehicle has allegedly been overtaking several cars on a blind rise, when the vehicle struck a group of cyclists. A young cyclist was unfortunately pinned under the vehicle and dragged for several metres, where he remained trapped under the car. IPSS advanced life support paramedics and rescue crews worked to free the cyclist. Unfortunately he has sustained multiple injuries and was declared dead on scene.”

Three cyclists sustained minor to moderate injuries.