Three generations die in head-on collision
Three generations of a Highway family were killed in a head-on collision on the N2 near Mtunzini.
THREE generations of the same family, who died in a horrific head-on collision on the N2 near Mtunzini on Friday 1 November, were on their way to Jozini to celebrate their daughter’s birthday.
But instead of a memorable weekend getaway, 10-year-old birthday girl, Rachel Cullinan, suffered an untimely and premature death along with her mother Melanie (34), grandmother Heather (63) and close friend of Rachel’s, Cheyenne Dickson (10).
The four occupants from Waterfall and Hillcrest were travelling in a Kia that reportedly had a tyre blowout near Bridge 6 about 2km from the Mtunzini Toll Plaza.
According to sister newspaper, the Zululand Observer, officials combing the scene on Friday said the blow out could have caused the vehicle to veer onto the oncoming lane, slamming into a huge delivery truck at approximately 4.30pm. Emergency and rescue personnel worked tirelessly to extricate the bodies from the mangled wreckage while the stretch of road remained closed for about an hour causing heavy traffic backlogs on both lanes.
On Sunday, Melanie’s brother from Australia, who had first learned of the tragic news via social media sites, arrived in Durban to join distraught family members.
Deborah Snyman, a family friend said Heather was the devoted mother of Melanie, Natalie, Dale and Steven, and was loved by her children and grandchildren.
“Her home was always full of family and friends. Heather was warm and kind. Melanie was amazing – active, social and an incredible mother to Rachel. She was a fabulous co-worker, friend and was loved by all. Rachel was a bubbly, happy child with the cutest freckles and dimples. All who knew and loved this family are battling to cope with the sudden loss. We have lost beautiful friends, who were taken far too soon,” said Snyman.
Both Rachel and Cheyenne were in Grade 3. Rachel went to Forestview Primary School while Cheyenne went to Hillcrest Primary School.
Melanie worked for a property company and her mother Heather was retired but devoted her days to family time.
A memorial service for the Cullinan family will be held at CityHill Church in Hillcrest on Thursday 14 November at noon. The memorial service for Cheyenne Dickson was held last Friday.
