Tragic R553 Golden Highway crash: ‘We didn’t know it was our children who are there’
The school principal, Sharon Lynch, said as a school they are devastated and heartbroken.
Three siblings lost their lives in a horrific crash after a taxi and motor vehicle collided on the R553 Golden Highway on March 11.
The crash claimed 12 lives, including those of the three siblings from Eldorado Park who were in Grade One, Five and Six, leaving nine people hospitalised. The siblings were travelling to school when they died in the crash.
Wreath Laying Ceremony for the 3 siblings who were amongst the 12 people killed in yesterday's vehicle accident on the Golden Highway in Eldorado Park. Lashay Goodall (10), Learyn Goodall (11) & Aiden Goodall (6).
May all those who passed Rest in Eternal Peace🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/QPXupUuHtO
— AskTheChief01 #BuyaMthetho 🔥 (@David_S_Tembe) March 12, 2020
MEC of Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo visited Robertsham Primary School, which the siblings attended.
The school principal, Sharon Lynch, said as a school they are devastated and heartbroken.
“We couldn’t believe it when we heard that three of our learners have lost their lives in such a tragic event. That they are all from one family is hard to bear,” said Lynch.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Three siblings among 12 people killed on R553 Golden Highway collision
The mother of the siblings, Odile Goodall (30), was in tears when the MEC visited the home to give them words of encouragement and support.
The MEC was met by scores of community members as he was on his was to convey his condolences.
“Let me thank everyone for coming and offering your support to the family. Your presence is a source of strength to the family because losing your children in one tragic accident is very painful,” said Mamabolo.
The family spokesperson, Noel Maart, said they didn’t believe it at first.
“When we received the first call we didn’t think that it was our children. But we went to see what happened. When we stood at a distance looking at the scene, we didn’t know it was our children who are there,” said Maart.
Maart explained that when they received a call saying their children were involved in the accident they rushed to the mortuary.
“We are not blaming anyone. We want to thank everyone who assisted,” concluded Maart.
The MEC added that investigations are ongoing.
ALSO READ: Head-on collision in Eldorado Park leaves 10 dead, several injured
Facebook comments
Melanie Ansell: “Taxi drivers kill more people than the coronavirus and nothing is being done about it. They are a law on their own. They cost the country millions as they cause so many accidents, which the insurance companies and Road Accident Fund must pay. Something needs to urgently be done and more stringent laws must be put in place for them. They are not above the law. Why are they allowed to destroy so many lives? My heart goes out to the family.”
Susan Rheeder: “This is so sad. Thoughts and prayers to the families. May their souls rest in peace. Why, why always a taxi? Was it roadworthy? How many times is the MEC just going to give condolences? Stand up and stop taxis on our roads, or at least make sure they are roadworthy, registered and the drivers have PDPs.”
Elton Boesak: “We work for the same place, just at different offices. When I heard this morning, I asked God why all of her children? My heart breaks for this lady.”
Kevin Alberts: “Taxis are your first priority to sort out, not law-abiding citizens.”
