Firefighter survives freak tree branch crash in Uvongo

A firefighter (55) is recovering after a freak accident destroyed the vehicle he was driving and severely injured his face.

Sean Davidson, who is also the founder and leader of the Margate Pipes and Drums band, was travelling towards Shelly Beach on Marine Drive last Friday at about 10:20 when a truck transporting a tractor in the opposite direction struck an overgrown tree branch hanging over the roadway.

The impact snapped the heavy branch, catapulting it into oncoming traffic.

The branch pierced the bakkie’s windscreen and became embedded inside the cabin, striking him in the face and left arm.

Despite the windscreen exploding and being momentarily blinded by blood and shattered glass, his training as a firefighter and former paramedic kicked in.

“I didn’t know exactly what happened, just that the windscreen exploded,” he said.

“There was so much blood, and I struggled to see, but my first thought was to pull over safely.”

Remarkably, he managed to steer the vehicle to the side of the road. The door had jammed on impact, briefly trapping him inside the wrecked vehicle.

Hannes and Cindy Gouws, who were travelling nearby, saw the branch protruding from the bakkie and immediately turned around to help. While Hannes contacted Sean’s wife, Surina, Cindy used wet wipes to clear blood from his eyes.

“I couldn’t even call my wife. My hands and phone were completely covered in blood,” Sean said.

The truck driver also stopped and called emergency services. Sean was transported to hospital, where he was treated for a concussion, head injuries, whiplash and multiple facial fractures.

He remained overnight for observation and is awaiting consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon for crush injuries to his face. The vehicle has been written off.

For the family, his survival is nothing short of miraculous.

“God’s hand was over my husband,” said Surina. “He was protected in more ways than one. It is a miracle he got out of that vehicle, especially when you compare the wreckage to his injuries. So many people helped – we are so grateful.”

The incident has sparked anger over road maintenance along Marine Drive, where residents say overgrown trees are a known hazard.

“Why are the trees overgrown like this on a public main road? The Department of Transport (DoT) needs to explain why this tree was not maintained, especially when tenders have been awarded for these specific services,” Surina said.

She added that the outcome could have been far worse. “If there had been a passenger or a child in the vehicle, this would be a far grimmer story.”

The story was sent to the DoT for comment, but none was received at the time of going to press.

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