Well-known motorcyclist critically injured in collision with a bakkie
They also had to amputate his leg under his knee. He sustained severe injuries but is stable at the moment.
LYDENBURG – An accident caused by a Thaba Chweu Local Municipal (TCLM) bakkie led to the amputation of a motorcycle driver’s leg.
The bakkie crashed into the motorcycle of Martin Jasper van den Berg (60), which led to this tragic event last Thursday. The incident occurred at the traffic light opposite Okus Restaurant.
According to Deon Broekman, local hazmat operator, the TCLM bakkie collided with Van den Berg’s bike when it skipped a red light. Swift EMS was the first to arrive on the scene.
According to Willem Jordaan, Van den Berg sustained severe injuries which kept him on the scene for more than an hour. His helmet was found several metres from the scene. He had suffered a previous head fracture in an earlier accident years ago.
He was taken to Lydenburg Hospital, from where he was airlifted via helicopter to Netcare’s Union Hospital in Alberton. Unfortunately, van den Berg’s leg had to be amputated following the accident. He is still being treated in hospital for the injuries he sustained.
According to Yolandi Schwan, a family member of van den Berg, he has been under sedation in Netcare’s Union Hospital in ICU. “He broke five ribs as well as his hip. He will undergo an operation Friday (today). They also had to amputate his leg under his knee. He sustained severe injuries, but is stable at the moment.”
This is his second accident. “As a family, we are heartbroken that he has to go through this a second time. He does not deserve the trauma. He was 21 years old when he had an accident with a Casper (SAPS unit) where his whole face was crushed. He is still dealing with the result of that accident; operation upon operation.”
The driver of the bakkie sustained no injuries. Van den Berg is a local motorcycle rider who is frequently seen on his bike driving through town.
