Two Irish tourists and a Mozambican national died when an articulated truck collided with three vehicles on the N4 on September 16. The tourists have been identified as siblings Doreen Martin (64) and Wesley Martin (71), and the Mozambican national as Manuel Malonguete (43).

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The tourists were travelling from OR Tambo International Airport in a Toyota Fortuner rental when the crash occurred. Malonguete was travelling in a red bakkie. Martin Jeffrey of Emer-G-Med reported from the scene that two other patients sustained moderate to severe injuries and were transported to Kiaat Private Hospital for medical treatment.

Community mourns Irish heritage stalwarts

Tributes for Wesley and Doreen Martin have poured in on social media. Wesley was the vice chairperson of the Sir Samuel Kelly Project in Donaghadee, Ireland.

“Wesley was a much-valued part of the Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company and the Sir Samuel Kelly Project,” the organisation said. “He gave his time, commitment and support generously, and his loss has come as a tremendous shock to us all. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Wesley’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”

The community-led heritage initiative is dedicated to conserving and restoring the historic Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat.

Valerie Webster posted:

“Heartbreaking news to hear of Wesley and Doreen’s sad death. Thinking of their families here and in South Africa. Wesley and I were in the same class through primary school.”

Jean Vermeulen posted:

“Very sad news. Wesley was one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of knowing when he lived in South Africa. Condolences to his lovely daughters and their families.”

Truck allegedly skips intersection

According to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson, Zandile Mavuso, a truck travelling on the D799 Kaapsehoop Road allegedly skipped the intersection and collided with the three vehicles. The accident delayed motorists for several hours as wreckage was removed from the scene.

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According to Mavuso, the cause of the accident is still under investigation. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo’s comment on the ongoing investigation had not yet been received at the time of publication.