Just over a month after surviving a horrific crash that claimed the life of his close friend, Piet Adendorff is now recovering at home.

Adendorff recounted the tragic afternoon of June 14 when he and “Lappies” Labuschagne were returning to Dundee after a business trip to Vryheid. “Lappies often popped by and asked if I wanted to drive with him. He was a people person,” said Adendorff.

As they drove past the Battlefields Caravan Park on the R33, Adendorff recalled hearing a loud bang, followed by the grinding of metal on tar. “The next moment, I was kneeling in a field. The bakkie was on its side and Lappies had been thrown out.”

The Scheepers family from the nearby caravan park rushed to help. Tragically, Lappies died at the scene.

Adendorff believes another vehicle may have hit them from behind. The road, riddled with potholes, has long been a danger to motorists.

The 74-year-old was hospitalised with multiple injuries — a broken collarbone, punctured lung, neck trauma and bruises. His wife, Meintjie, travelled from Gauteng to be by his side in Newcastle. After a stint at Hilldrop Healthcare Centre, Piet returned home to Friis Street on July 10.

He still suffers from pain and dizziness but remains grateful. “It’s a miracle I’m here. Thank you to everyone who supported us — and to the Good Lord for sparing me.”

Adendorff is also coping with the grief of losing his friend of 37 years, a loss shared deeply by the Labuschagne family.

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