One-Year-Old Child Dies, Several Others Injured in Fiery Crash
Authorities are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving following a horrific accident on the R101, Old Johannesburg Road and Saxby Avenue in Centurion on March 14. A car crashed into a tree and caught fire, leaving multiple victims injured, including four children.
Emergency Response and Injuries
According to police spokesperson Captain Johan Van Dyk, officers received a report about the accident at approximately 17:50 on Friday. Upon arrival, emergency responders, including paramedics from multiple ambulances, were already on the scene, treating the injured.
The vehicle involved in the crash was a Range Rover, which was completely burned. Inside, emergency personnel found four children suffering from serious injuries. They were rushed to Unitas Hospital for urgent medical care.
Van Dyk confirmed that there were seven occupants in the vehicle, all of whom sustained injuries of varying severity.
Medics’ Reports on the Scene
Emer-G-Med medics Melinda Naude and Sinjin Grant-Smith, who were among the first responders, described a chaotic and tragic scene. Multiple children were critically injured and were taken to different medical facilities for treatment. Some victims were transported to Netcare Unitas Hospital, while others were taken to Kalafong Hospital.
Unfortunately, a one-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries despite medical teams’ efforts to resuscitate her at Unitas Hospital.
Crash Details and Investigation
A separate emergency service provider at the scene reported that the car crashed directly into a tree and burst into flames at approximately 17:15. Upon arrival, medics found three critically injured patients: a one-year-old, a five-year-old, and a 15-year-old.
Emergency teams stated that the driver of the vehicle did not sustain any injuries. Meanwhile, medical personnel worked tirelessly to save the two critically injured children, performing CPR before transporting them to Unitas Hospital.
Despite these efforts, the one-year-old was declared dead at the hospital after multiple attempts to resuscitate her failed. The five-year-old and 15-year-old remain hospitalized, receiving treatment for severe injuries.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, with reckless and negligent driving as a possible cause. Police are expected to question the driver and other occupants as part of their probe into the incident.
Appeal for Information
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the accident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences that can follow.