UPDATE | Condolences pour in after beloved High School Lydenburg learner dies in motorcycle accident
The Lydenburg community shared its sincere condolences with Janco Smit’s family.
Condolences have poured in after the tragic accident in which a Grade 10 learner of High School Lydenburg (HSL) died just after 16:00 on Thursday, March 27.
Janco Smit (16) sadly passed away after his dirt bike collided with a car at the intersection of Brug and Viljoen streets.
Paramedics, traffic control and the local SAPS arrived on the scene within minutes, but nothing could be done for Janco.
According to some eyewitnesses on the scene and the traffic control officers, the young woman who was driving the car said she was coming from Brug Street.
She only sustained minor injuries, but was in a severe state of shock.
Also read: Fatal accident on newly upgraded Viljoen Street in Lydenburg
“She was severely traumatised and from what we could gather, she said she saw the bike heading down Viljoen Street. According to her, the bike was quite a distance away. She stopped at the crossing and as she turned towards Viljoen Street, the collision with Janco’s bike happened.”
Despite the paramedics’ efforts, Janco was declared dead on the scene. Traffic officials redirected motorists to use alternative routes until the scene was cleared.
Following the news of Janco’s tragic death, the community flooded Facebook with messages, expressing their heartfelt condolences to the family.
HSL also expressed its sympathy towards Janco’s family and friends. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Janco Smit. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Steelburger/Lydenburg News tried to make contact with the Smit family, but was unsuccessful in reaching out to them.
