Driver in hospital with severe burns

A car involved in an accident burst into flames, scorching its driver.
“We were towing my friend from Bronkhorstspruit and were almost home in Duvha when it happened,” said Mr Siyabonga Mtshali, driver of the red Volkswagen Golf 1.

On October 11 Mtshali was towing his friend, Mr Nhlanhla Kwela’s white Volkswagen Golf 1 along OR Tambo Street just before the Duvha entrance. They were nearing their destination in Duvha Extension 2 when a white Mercedes Benz Compressor allegedly collided with them.

“I saw a vehicle coming in my rear view mirror, it tried to overtake another car in the fast lane and instead of turning back into his lane, he drove right into the back of my friend’s car that I was towing,” said Mtshali.
The white Golf burst into flames, after being sandwiched between the red Golf and the Mercedes.
“My friend was stuck in the car for at least two minutes before a mine bus stopped and someone came running out with a fire extinguisher,” said Mtshali.

The flames were doused and Mtshali and a bystander were able to retrieve Kwela from the smouldering vehicle.
Paramedics from Langamed Emergency Management Services arrived on scene and tended to Kwela, who had suffered from severe burns to both his legs, as well as his left arm.

Shortly after, Emalahleni Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.
Police took the driver of the Mercedes, Mr Sfiso Madonsela, to Witbank Hospital for blood alcohol tests.
“I saw my friend in hospital just today. He looks bad. He has third degree burns, his arm is burnt the worst,” said Mtshali, who feels the driver of the Mercedes is to blame.

“I was returning home from visiting a friend, on my way to Kriel, when I saw the car. I didn’t see the second car being towed because it had no lights. I tried changing lanes but collided with the Golf being towed,” said Madonsela.