Allen Street horror crash claims two
Two people in their late twenties sustained fatal injuries when the car they were travelling in hit a tree on Allen Street.
A deathly hush prevailed over the bystanders. They craned their necks, leaning over the cordon tape to get a better look.
Inside the smashed and mangled wreckage of the car, three people still lay trapped. Raindrops dripped down through the leaves of the tree, the cold wind whipping among the firemen. The earthy smell of fresh rain mixed with the harsh odor of petrol and diesel fumes.
The small silver hatchback had smashed side-on into a tree, almost wrapping around the trunk. Emergency response personnel worked feverishly to free the only remaining survivor, a passenger in his late twenties.
A family member of one of the victims covered his face with his hands, and wailed as he learned the identity of the survivor.
According to witnesses the car was seen travelling at high speed down Allen Street towards town just after 7pm on Saturday night. Seconds after, the driver allegedly lost control, skidding across into the oncoming lane before veering back and smashing into the tree.
Parts of the car were found as far as 25 metres away from the point of impact.
Emmanuel Gqojana, spokesperson for Rural Emergency Medical Response (REMS), said the victim had sustained a fracture to his left arm, and slight head injuries.
“It looks like he will be fine,” he said. Mr Gqojana confirmed the patient was taken to Madadeni Hospital for further treatment.
Both the other occupants tragically sustained fatal injuries during the incident. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Warrant Officer Shabir Ismail has asked for any witnesses to come forward. He can be contacted on 082 839 0019.
The Newcastle Advertiser wishes to extend our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
This version of the article has been edited. The original article said three people had died, which was incorrect. Sadly, two is the correct number of lives lost in this collision. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this mistake.
