Boy Louw at it again!
“People should be aware that the road is closed."
VEREENIGING. – The Vereeniging police have issued a warning to community members, particularly drivers, urging them to be vigilant about their surroundings and road markings.
This caution follows an incident on Friday morning where three individuals, a woman, and two men, sustained injuries and were transported to Sebokeng Hospital after an accident at the Pula Garage Crossing on Boy Louw Road, between Vereeniging and Sharpeville.
Reportedly, the driver of a Toyota Quantum taxi traveling from Sebokeng to Vereeniging lost control, colliding with the cement barriers blocking access to the Boy Louw undercarriage. While the driver emerged unharmed, the three passengers suffered injuries, necessitating hospitalisation.
This incident is not the first since the installation of barriers earlier this year, intended for road closure and maintenance, according to the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM). Tragically, a motorist lost their life on October 21 in a similar accident, colliding with the cement blocks used to obstruct the road.
Despite the ELM’s notice over a month ago regarding the closure of a road section between Vereeniging and Steel Park for maintenance and construction purposes, no visible progress has been made. This has raised concerns among Sharpeville residents, who highlight the increased traffic passing through their residential area, posing a significant danger to children.
Chuchi Radebe, ELM’s Media Liaison Officer, explained earlier this year that the municipality is in the midst of procurement processes. The tender for emergency repairs of the Boy Louw undercarriage was apparently advertised and was initially set to close on October 12.
Captain Fikile Funda, the Police Spokesperson, emphasised the need for caution among drivers.
He stated: “People should be aware that the road is closed. Not only that, but drivers should always be cautious at this time of the year as traffic volumes rise.”
Funda confirmed the Friday accident and disclosed that the three injured individuals were aged between 32 and 40. An investigation into reckless and negligent driving is currently underway by the Vereeniging police.
