A nine-year-old-boy was killed when he was knocked down by a vehicle during a collision in Witpoortjie yesterday, 17 May.
According to Werner Vemraak, spokesperson for ER24, paramedics from ER24 and other services arrived at the corners of Koeberg and Oranje Streets shortly after noon.
“At the scene, two vehicles that collided with each other were found. A nine-old-old boy was found near the side of the road with fatal injuries. Sadly, there was nothing that could have been done for him and he was declared dead,” Vermaak said.
He added, “It is understood that the two vehicles collided with each other at the intersection, sending one of the vehicles in the direction of the boy who was near the side of the road.
The two drivers of the vehicles were treated for minor injuries and transported to Life Flora Clinic for further care.”
Local authorities also attended the scene and will conduct an investigation.
The parents of the boy were also on the scene.
According to an eyewitness, the driver of the one vehicle, an Apcan bakkie, came down Koeberg Street at a very high speed, completely ignoring the stop sign.
The other vehicle, an Audi, that came down Oanje Street did not have time to react, and a collision took place in the middle of the intersection, with both vehicles spinning out of control, and into the boy who was standing at the side of the road, where he crossed just moments before.
See video:
“My experience over the last seven years has been that there the stop sign is often ignored by motorists who pass through at a high speed. We would like to see better security changes made as this intersection is used regularly, not only by members of the community but also by members and openers form the Witpoortjie Bowling Club.
We would like to convey our condolences to the boy’s parents and let them know that they are in our prayers as well,” he said.
The accident had social media buzzing, with members offering their condolences. Here are some of the reactions:
Elize Cordier said, “Now that a child was killed corner Koeberg and Oranje Streets in Witpoortjie, will speedhumps be considered now? If our cry for help and petitions was heard to put in speed humps both ways this could have been prevented. Sick world….”
Barbara Ann du Plessis said, “This is so incredibly sad , a child not even on the road but just outside a gate got killed … this intersection is known for being dangerous … so sorry for the child and his family … I also saw them standing at the place their child died and praying.”
Nellie Craven had this to say, “What a terribly sad day in Witpoortjie – my heart goes out to the mother, family and friends who lost their little boy today at the gate of the Bowling Club”
Brenden Mokwena said, “We need speed bumps on Oranje Steet, that corner has been an accident zone for years now. RIP to the little one?”
Ude Henning said, “Oh it’s so sad, we live in Buuren street and the cars speed up and down everyday. RIP little one.”
Apcan Security was contacted for comment, but, by the time of publishing, none was received yet.
A follow up will be published, as soon as it is received.
