Metro forks out nearly R1m to motorist after pothole accident

Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) has to cough up nearly R1 million in damages after a Boksburg North man was seriously injured when he drove into a brick wall after hitting a pothole.

Thomas Lourens van der Merwe, 58, a car salesman, drove into a pothole at the intersection of Main Reef Road and Haggie Street on March 19, 2014.

Ekurhuleni Metro, which is responsible for maintaining the road, has agreed to pay Van der Merwe R951 313 after they reached a settlement in the Pretoria High Court, daily newspaper Beeld reported last week.

As a result of injuries sustained in the accident, Van der Merwe could not continue to rebuild old cars. He hit the steering wheel with his chest and broke two ribs. He also sustained whiplash, Kempton Express reported.

He was no longer able to exercise and put on 31kg after the accident.

Van der Merwe underwent an operation to decrease his stomach, after which he lost a lot of weight. He now weighs 82kg.

The money Van der Merwe received is to cover his medical costs, past and future, as well as for pain and suffering.

– Caxton News Service