Russian couple’s South African adventure turns nightmare after eMkhondo crash
Despite their horrible ordeal, locals offered a helping hand.
EMKHONDO – A motor vehicle accident on the road to eMkhondo on August 20 left a Russian couple injured and stranded in South Africa.
A journey of exploring South Africa’s rich landscapes and birdlife took a drastic turn for Russian nature enthusiasts Yana and Mikhail Sokolova.
Their adventure, which had been a year in the making, turned into a nightmare when they were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident on the road to eMkhondo, just 40km from the guest house they were staying at.
Yana recalls the harrowing incident, saying, “It is a very horrible story.”
The couple’s flight to Mkuzi in KZN had been rescheduled, prompting them to spend the night in eMkhondo. It was on their way there that a head-on collision occurred, leaving Yana unable to remember much about the event.
Mikhail stepped into action, calling the guest house in eMkhondo as well as emergency services.
“My husband said some people stopped and helped, but I cannot remember much,” Yana said.
While Mikhail assisted his wife despite being unaware of his own injuries, it soon became clear they were severe.
Yana sustained a broken elbow and multiple bruises, but Mikhail suffered a broken arm and ankle, as well as internal trauma to his stomach, resulting in internal bleeding.
Urgent medical attention was crucial, and the couple was transported to Mkhondo Hospital for examinations.
Despite the Sokolova’s good medical coverage, language barriers and communication challenges left them feeling stranded at Ermelo Hospital.
Yana, in need of urgent surgery for her elbow, faces the heart-breaking decision of returning to Russia for treatment.
However, she is resolute in her commitment to stay by her husband’s side.
Throughout their ordeal, she expressed gratitude for the unexpected outpouring of support from strangers.
Read the complete article in Highvelder.
