7-year-old boy discharged after horror N11 crash that killed a child and three women
The young boy, who suffered fractures to both hands, has been discharged from hospital, while the four family members who died in the crash were laid to rest in Ga-Morwe on Saturday.
The crash claimed the lives of three women and a nine-year-old boy, leaving the child trapped among the bodies for nearly an hour before emergency services arrived. According to preliminary information, the white Toyota Avanza in which they were travelling reportedly experienced a mechanical failure, causing the driver to lose control and overturn.
The Middelburg Observer received numerous calls from eyewitnesses who were deeply traumatised by the scene.
One witness, Ms Lizette Snygans, said she repeatedly phoned emergency numbers after finding the child ‘rolling around on the ground in pain’ between the four bodies in the heat. According to her, the ambulance arrived approximately 50 minutes later.
The Observer contacted Christopher Nobela, spokesperson for the Department of Health, for comment regarding the alleged delay. No response has been received yet.
Family spokesperson Bonginkosi Mtsweni, the boy’s grandfather, told the Observer that the child sustained fractures to both hands, but was discharged yesterday.
Early reports had suggested he was airlifted to Alberton Hospital, but the family clarified the details following widespread concern from the community.
The victims, Nompumelelo Mtsweni (57), Nonhlanhla Mtsweni (59), Samuku Gaelejwe (27), and Lindokuhle Masombuka (9), were laid to rest during an emotional funeral service on Saturday at the community hall in Ga-Morwe (formerly Kameelrivier B) in KwaNdebele.
A large number of mourners attended the funeral to support the devastated Mtsweni family, while community members continue to express concern over the emergency response to the crash.
