The Barberton community is mourning after 19-year-old Bianca Nortjé, a beloved student teacher at Oikos Private School, died following a horrific collision at the R40 and Sheba Road intersection on Saturday, February 21.

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Bianca was travelling in a Toyota Starlet with four others from an athletics meet in Barberton to pick up her friend, Chaandré Meyer (19), at Fairview Mine. On their way home their vehicle was hit by a Land Rover whose driver allegedly failed to obey a stop sign. She succumbed to her injuries en route to hospital.

Her father, Henry, posted an emotional tribute:

“My dearest little girl; it is impossible to understand how much my heart aches today. I’m so proud of everything you have accomplished. You are my spring baby and every September 1, I will pick a blossom in your memory.”

Bianca’s funeral was held today at the Vollies Church in Barberton.

The accident also critically injured 19-year-old Tristan Jansen van Vuuren, who remains in a medically induced coma at Rob Ferreira Hospital.

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The other occupants, Meyer, Stephen van der Lith (19) and a 10-year-old, sustained severe injuries and fractures and are recovering in hospital.

According to Tristan’s mother, Amelia Swart, he suffered severe brain injuries and experiences continuous seizures.

Doctors are battling to reduce the swelling and bleeding on his brain, and every hour is critical.

“Tristan urgently needs to be transferred to Mediclinic Nelspruit where he can receive advanced neurological care and potentially life-saving surgical interventions. This move could mean the difference between life and death,” Amelia said.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to raise R500 000 for his emergency transfer, specialist treatment and rehabilitation after he has been discharged from the hospital. Donations can be made via BackaBuddy.

Swart can also be contacted at 066 268 1081.

“This situation is terrifying for us as a family. Every time the phone rings we are paralysed with fear because we don’t know what the news will be. We are just hoping for the best,” Amelia added.

Four of the occupants have been friends since their school days and will celebrate their 20th birthdays this year.

Bianca would have turned 20 in September.

*This article was amended after publishing.