A woman has been killed after a large rock allegedly smashed through her windscreen on the R24 in Bedfordview, today, (August 14), with authorities investigating where the rock was thrown from, reports Bedfordview Edenvale News.

There are conflicting reports about the bridge from which the rock was allegedly thrown.

Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys and Bedfordview community safety groups initially reported the incident as having occurred underneath the Van Der Linde Road Bridge.
However, the EMPD said its officers reported that the rock had allegedly been thrown from the Concord Road.

The discrepancy has not been resolved, but both accounts relate to the same fatal rock-throwing incident on the R24.

According to EMPD, Freeway Unit officers responded to the scene at 07:38.

“Upon arrival, officers established that a large rock had allegedly been thrown from Concord Road onto the R24 freeway,” EMPD stated.

“The rock shattered the vehicle’s windscreen, causing the driver to sustain head injuries. She subsequently lost control of the vehicle and collided with the road barriers,” said EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa.

The driver was certified dead at the scene. EMPD said an inquest docket had been opened at Bedfordview Police Station for investigation.

The EMPD appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Renewed safety warnings

Residents Action Group (RAG Security) in Bedfordview urged motorists to be extra vigilant when approaching and driving underneath bridges.

Residents are advised to scan overpasses, footbridges and embankments well ahead and look for people loitering near railings or leaning over edges.

Where it is safe to do so, motorists who notice suspicious activity should change lanes to increase their distance from the person and avoid passing directly underneath them.

RAG also warned motorists to take extra care at night on unlit or low-visibility stretches and to use their headlights appropriately.

Suspicious people, vehicles or activity should be reported immediately to RAG’s 24-hour Control Centre on 082 322 3333.

Previous rock-throwing incidents

In July, video footage showed a vehicle with a shattered windscreen after rocks were allegedly thrown at it while travelling eastbound on the N12.

Motorists were subsequently warned to remain vigilant.

In a follow-up report, the victim described the terrifying incident and said she and her fiancé had to sit across from the alleged perpetrator while giving their statements at Bedfordview SAPS.
Police had not confirmed the status of any arrest at the time.

The Bedfordview Edenvale News also reported on Sanral’s plans to enhance safety measures on the highway following concerns about rock-throwing attacks.

The latest fatal incident has now renewed calls for motorists and communities to remain alert around bridges and for anyone with information to assist investigators.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the relevant authorities.
Bedfordview CPF chairman Colin McKenzie may also be contacted on 079 219 5064.

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