VANDERBIJLPARK.- The Emfuleni community is in shock and mourning following a horrific accident on Wednesday night that claimed the lives of four young people.

The tragedy occurred around 20:30 on Frikkie Meyer Boulevard.

It is reported that the driver of a white Toyota Hilux swerved to avoid a massive pothole, lost control, and crashed into a tree.

Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) Councillor Gerda Senekal told Sedibeng Ster that the pothole was filled with sewage water, making it almost impossible to see in the dark.

The victims, aged between 20 and 22, socialised at the driver’s home earlier that evening. He had offered to drive them (his friends) home, but the journey ended in an accident.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela confirmed that police are investigating a case of culpable homicide (four counts) and reckless and negligent driving following the fatal motor vehicle accident.

“The vehicle had six occupants, including the driver. Four were declared deceased, including a 19-year-old male driver from Sebokeng, who was trapped inside the vehicle. A 20-year-old female from Vanderbijlpark, who was trapped inside the vehicle. A 20-year-old female from Vanderbijlpark, who was found lying next to the vehicle. A 20-year-old female from Sebokeng, who succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment in the ambulance,” Maxambela said.

The vehicle had six occupants, including the driver.

Two other 20-year-old female passengers sustained injuries and were transported to Emfuleni Mediclinic for medical treatment.

This tragedy follows just one month after the accident on the R553 near Vanderbijlpark in which 14 learners died when a minibus taxi collided with a truck.

Senekal said that the dangerous state of Frikkie Meyer Boulevard had been reported to the Department of Roads and Transport multiple times, but no action was taken. On Thursday morning, the FF Plus met with Mayor Sipo Radebe and Municipal Manager (MM) April Ntuli to demand the immediate repair of potholes and street lights in the area.

“The party expresses its sincere condolences to the deceased’s next of kin. Four young lives were needlessly snatched from their loved ones too soon – a painful reminder of just how dangerous Emfuleni’s decaying roads are,” Senekal concluded.