While visiting the grave of her late son Arno, who tragically lost his life years ago in a horrific crash at the Pinehaven intersection, Madre van Loggenberg was struck by heartbreak once more when, on August 12, another serious accident occurred at the exact same spot.

That Tuesday was already an emotional day as she marked what would have been her son’s birthday, cherishing the beautiful memories they once shared. The news of yet another crash at the very intersection where Arno was critically injured and later passed away reopened deep wounds.

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In the early hours of Friday, October 7, 2022, Arno was among several people injured in a devastating crash involving two trucks and two light motor vehicles at the N14 and R28 intersection in Pinehaven. Two people died at the scene, and although Arno initially survived, as reported by the News’ sister publication, Randfontein Herald, he tragically passed away days later — bringing the total death toll from the crash to three.

• Also read: Arno sterf dae ná gru-ongeluk in Pinehaven

“I thought about how precious every moment with him was and how those memories always bring a smile to my face but also leave a painful emptiness in my heart. As the day progressed, my thoughts took me back to that tragic accident, the sorrow and the immense loss I experienced when I lost my son. That moment changed everything for me, and the pain I still feel is something I will never fully forget,” she said.

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She added just when she felt like she could move past it, she received a message recommending that she take an alternative route because there had been yet another crash at the same intersection where she lost Arno.

“That message brought everything back – the sorrow, the shock, the loss. For a moment, it was as if I was reliving it all again, and the pain was just as raw. I felt how the memories overwhelmed me, and it was as if I had to go through that dark time all over again. I realised how deeply that loss is rooted in my life, and how hard it is to ever truly heal. The day brought a mix of emotions – from sadness to gratitude, from memories to the inescapable sense of loss that will always remain,” she expressed.

Van Loggenberg is very concerned about all the crashes happening there.

“It feels like it’s almost a daily occurrence, and it’s extremely dangerous, especially for people who have to use that route every day. It poses a major risk to our community.”

She is truly disappointed that a flyover has not been built yet. The community has been waiting for years, and she added, in the meantime, more and more accidents keep happening.

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“It feels like our complaints and concerns are not being taken seriously. I believe a flyover would make a huge difference. It would help control the traffic better, especially during peak hours, and it would ensure that vehicles no longer have to wait on or crash into each other. It will definitely save lives,” she believes.

She pleads with authorities, “Please do not wait until yet another life is lost before you take action.”

“This project is not a luxury – it is a necessity. The community deserves better road safety. I would just like to add that it is important for the government to start listening to the communities directly affected by poor infrastructure. We are not asking for anything unreasonable – we’re simply asking for safe roads for our children, our families, and everyone who has to travel daily.”

Her son, Arno van Loggenberg, would have turned 27 this year.