Season marred by disasters
Traffic authorities have urged motorists to travel safely on the roads.
Aside from the rising death toll due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the region now a ‘hot spot’ and the major Ugu water problems, the coast has also been hit with a number of tragic incidents over the Christmas holiday period. Not all ended in death but too many did.
Traffic authorities have urged motorists to travel safely on the roads.
NSRI has cautioned bathers (when permitted on the beaches) to obey the lifeguards and beach rules.
* Tuesday, December 22: A 29-year-old man was knocked down near the Mtwalume Bridge. Police spokesman Captain Petros Mpinge said the driver of the vehicle failed to stop and a culpable homicide case was opened.
* Wednesday, December 23: An 11-year-old boy was knocked down on the main road near Umbango at about midday. Cpt Mpinge said it’s alleged that the driver of the vehicle lost control of it, causing it to roll over. The child was taken to a hospital, but succumbed to his injuries. A case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation at Port Shepstone Saps.
On the same day, Cpt Mpinge confirmed that an 18-year-old pedestrian was killed on the R102 just before the Mtwalume off-ramp.
Hibberdene police and paramedics from Med-Evac responded to the scene. Glen Preston of Med-Evac said the driver of the vehicle involved also died at the scene. “A further five people sustained moderate injuries in the roll-over, and were taken to hospital,” he confirmed.
* Thursday, December 24: A man (38) was struck by a train at Elysium and declared dead on the scene. It is believed he was trying to save a dog from being hit by the train. An inquest case was opened for investigation.
* Saturday, December 26: A fire allegedly caused the death of a 65-year-old man and the destruction of his home at a resort in Hibberdene.
Cpt Mpinge said emergency services responded to the scene and found the body of a man inside the premises. Hibberdene Saps is investigating the cause of the fire.
* On the same day, a local charter vessel, running on only one motor, required assistance to get back to the beach in big swells.
Jeremiah Jackson, NSRI Shelly Beach station commander, said the sea rescue craft Spirit of Dawn was launched.
Upon arrival at the scene, the crew of the casualty vessel was put on to commercial boats, and then transferred onto NSRI’s sea rescue craft and brought safely to shore. The charter boat was able to get to the beach on its remaining functioning motor.
NSRI commend the close cooperation between the local commercial charter boats and Shelly Beach’s control tower.
* Sunday, December 27: A 36-year-old man drowned at St Mike’s Beach at about 4pm. Sergeant Sibu Ncane said Margate police were called out. Med Evac paramedics attended as well. The man was declared dead at the scene.
* Sunday, December 27: A wedding party had a nasty scare when a tree blew over behind the Umtentweni town hall. The tree not only landed on a car but some of the guests were scratched by the branches, including the bride. Luckily, nobody was injured.
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