Appeal for witnesses after M4 hit-and-run
One of the cyclists, who was seriously injured in the accident, suffered whiplash, a concussion, a haematoma to the back and various cuts and bruises to his lower body.
MEMBERS of Team Batsalani Cycling Club are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a hit-and-run on the M4 Ruth First Highway on Sunday (4 November).
Five cyclists suffered a number of injuries after they were knocked off their bicycles by a blue VW Polo in the incident which occurred at about 7.45am. The hit-and-run occurred about 50 metres after the Portland Drive off-ramp (heading towards Sibaya) where cyclists are allowed to use the M4.
One of the cyclists, who was seriously injured in the accident, was Ozair Ally. He suffered whiplash, a concussion, a haematoma to the back and other cuts and bruises from the accident.
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“I was the first cyclist hit by the driver. I just remember feeling a painful impact in my lower back, I was launched into the air and landed on the ground. I don’t remember much after, when I came to, my teammates were all looking down at me with worried expressions. I thought something was wrong then, the next time I remember coming to was in the ambulance when the paramedic asked about medical aid details,” he said.
So severe was the impact on Ally’s back that the wing mirror of the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle snapped off.
After Ally was catapulted off his bicycle, he landed on another club member, fracturing that rider’s thumb and taking out three other cyclists in the crash.
Fellow club member, Avie Maharaj, said he was outraged the driver of the vehicle didn’t stop after crashing into the pack.
“We had around 25 riders in the group and he happened to crash into the five of us who were in the middle of the pack. I’m still angry about the incident, the decent thing was to stop and call for help. There’s been no remorse shown and the driver still hasn’t come forward which has been more infuriating,” he said.
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A case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened at the Durban North police station.
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