Local family recovers from horror of fatal accident
“We are immensely grateful. Now that everyone is discharged.”
“We just take it day by day,” said Yolande de Beer, whose family is currently recovering from injuries suffered in a recent car crash that left an eight-year-old boy dead.
The accident occurred on November 15 at the intersection of Ruimte and Saxby roads in Centurion, involving a light delivery vehicle and an SUV.
Yolande’s husband, Lorenzo de Beer and their two children were travelling in the SUV that collided with the light delivery vehicle.
Lorenzo suffered various injuries the most severe of which was to his hand, which he would later need surgery for.
After the crash, the patients were transported to Kalafong tertiary hospital for further medical attention.
The children were treated and discharged shortly after, however, Lorenzo’s pinky finger had almost been completely ripped off as a result of the accident and more work needed to be done on him, prolonging his stay in hospital.
After numerous delays, Lorenzo finally had surgery during the early hours of November 22.
The parts of his pinky finger had to be amputated due to the damage, however, the De Beer clan is now all discharged and recovering well at home.
“We are immensely grateful. Now that everyone is discharged,” said Yolande.
“My husband and children are suffering from severe PTSD. Although the physical scars are beginning to heal, we will take a long time to recover from the emotional scars.
“The last week has been an absolute nightmare. So much uncertainty. It isn’t something that I wish upon anyone.”
Being involved in a crash of this magnitude affected the family immensely, though matriarch Yolande, accredits her loved ones for giving her the strength to make it through the tough time.
“My family needing me kept me going. I woke up every morning for them. Now that they are safely home, I can focus on my own feelings about what happened. I couldn’t do that while they were still dependent on me for physical support while in the hospital.”
The De Beers are planning a getaway trip for the holidays, something they thought would not happen last week, making it all the more special.
The family advises all to make the best of every moment with their loved ones and never take anything for granted.
“Don’t take anyone or anything for granted. Appreciate what you have before it’s taken away and tell people that you love them because tomorrow might really be too late.”
After being discharged, patriarch Lorenzo expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the medical staff.
“I just want to thank all the nurses and doctors who looked after me. They do an excellent job under the circumstances that they are under. I am very grateful for them,” Lorenzo said.
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