Trench crash leaves pensioners stranded
After surviving a terrifying crash into an alleged unmarked trench in Sandton, a 73-year-old pensioner and his wife are appealing for community support to rebuild the independence they lost overnight.
What began as an ordinary drive through Sandton on the evening of May 15, 2025, became a life-altering moment for Max Meltz (73) and his family.
Meltz was travelling along Pretoria Avenue, between Rivonia Road and Katherine Street, when his vehicle suddenly plunged front-first into a large open trench in the roadway.
The excavation, believed to have been left open for months, possibly close to a year, had no visible warning signs, barriers or lighting, according to the family and eyewitnesses who assisted at the scene.
Read more: Taxi crash sparks renewed calls for road safety crackdown in Fourways
“I was driving normally, not speeding, on a road I’ve used many times before. There was absolutely no warning. One second I was on the road, and the next the car just dropped. I didn’t even have time to react,” said Meltz.
By sheer luck, he survived the incident. His vehicle, later recovered by First Road Emergency Towing, was declared a complete write-off.
While he escaped with his life, the consequences of the crash have been far-reaching.
For Meltz and his wife, both elderly government pensioners, the car was more than transport.
“We used the car for everything, doctor’s visits, shopping, and giving lifts in our community to earn a little extra. Now we’re stuck at home. We’ve lost our independence.”
Without it, the couple has been left largely homebound, struggling with reduced mobility, financial strain and emotional distress.
The couple laid a claim against Johannesburg Water, which was rejected by Joburg Water brokers who stated that adequate signage and barricading were in place at the time of the accident, in contrast to the claims by Meltz and multiple witnesses.
Also read: Motorcyclist killed in Fourways crash
With no insurance and no alternative support system, Meltz’s son, Gavin Meltz, has set up a BackaBuddy campaign to help the couple replace the vehicle and regain their independence.
“This is about helping two elderly people get their lives back. They survived something traumatic and are now paying the price for someone else’s negligence,” said Gavin.
Fourways Review has reached out to Joburg Water. More information will be provided once it becomes available.
Community members wishing to assist can support the campaign at backabuddy.
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