Local paralysed after motorbike accident

MEDICAL experts on Friday night broke the devastating news to an Empangeni wife that her husband would be permanently paralysed following a motorbike accident earlier that day.

Popular resident Kobus Van Wyk (41), , manager at uMhlathuze Pharmacy, reportedly rode into a bakkie doing a U-turn close to Empangeni High School at about 2pm in wet, rainy conditions.

Kobus was thrown into the air on impact and reportedly landed head first on the tarmac.

While medical specialists said he would have been paralysed immediately, Kobus was able to tell learners to run for the nursing sister at the pharmacy.

Emergency services were on scene swiftly and his wife, Marnet was fetched from her place of work.

Kobus was rushed him to Netcare The Bay Hospital where, following a number of scans and tests they concluded that he would require highly specialised attention and he was subsequently transported to Netcare Umhlanga Hospital at about 8pm.

After more tests, the attending specialist broke the devastating news to Marnet and their children Karlo (13) and Marno (9) that Kobus will be a quadriplegic for the rest of his life.

They would also need to perform an operation to assist him to breathe but must wait for swelling to subside.

Kobus has been informed of his serious condition and is receiving physiotherapy as well as counselling.

A close relative said his wife and family are extremely traumatised but are trying to be strong for Kobus.

The family believes that given his strength of character, he will overcome this huge setback and cope with it.

They thanked the entire community as well as friends and family for the outpouring of support, thoughts and prayers they have received.

ALSO READ: Family loses second child this year in two biking tragedies

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