A fatal accident on the R24 West near the Barbara Road off-ramp has left a family devastated after a 17-year-old boy lost his life in a collision on Saturday evening, July 26, 2025.
According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the crash occurred at approximately 18:00 and involved two vehicles—a blue Chevrolet and a white Volkswagen Polo. The exact circumstances leading to the collision are still under investigation.
Emergency services, including the EMPD Freeway Unit and emergency medical responders, rushed to the scene following reports of the serious crash. Upon arrival, paramedics attended to the victims, but despite their efforts, the teenage passenger was declared dead at the scene.
Another passenger involved in the collision sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to Tambo Memorial Hospital for urgent medical attention. The current condition of the injured passenger has not yet been publicly disclosed.
In a statement released by the EMPD, officials confirmed, “One of the passengers sustained serious injuries and was transported to Tambo Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.” They also noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.
The incident has shocked the local community, with many expressing grief over the loss of such a young life. The identity of the deceased has not been officially released, pending the notification of next of kin.
This tragic accident comes amid growing concern over road safety along major routes in Ekurhuleni. Just days prior, a separate taxi crash in Delville left several passengers injured, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by road users in the region.
Local authorities are urging motorists to exercise extra caution, especially during peak traffic hours and in areas known for high-speed collisions. Road safety campaigns have been ramped up in response to recent incidents, and the EMPD continues to conduct regular patrols and speed enforcement operations along busy corridors such as the R24.
Residents are calling for improved road infrastructure and additional safety measures near known accident hotspots, such as the Barbara Road off-ramp. Suggestions include better lighting, clearer signage, and more frequent traffic law enforcement.
While the investigation into this latest crash is underway, the community is left mourning the life of a young boy whose future was tragically cut short. Support is being offered to the affected families, and counselling services may be provided to those in need, especially witnesses and first responders who arrived on the scene.
The EMPD has urged anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who has relevant dashcam footage to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
As the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a single moment on the road. Authorities hope that renewed public awareness will help reduce the number of similar tragedies in the future.
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