Five school kids die as bakkie rollovers in Mitchell's Plain
Five children, aged between 13 and 16, were killed and
another critically injured when the bakkie they travelled in rolled multiple
times on A Z Berman Drive in Mitchells Plain, on Tuesday morning.
PICTURE SUPPLIEDER24's Russel Meiring said paramedics found a bakkie
upright in the middle of the road on Tuesday.
‘’Several children believed to be aged between 13 and 16,
were seen scattered some distance away from the bakkie. Medics assessed the
children and found that five had already succumbed to their numerous injuries
while a sixth was in critical condition with numerous injuries.’’
‘’Paramedics treated the critical patient and provided him
with numerous advanced life support interventions before he was transported to
a nearby hospital for urgent care,’’ added Meiring.
Sub-Council 17 Chairperson, Elton Jansen said the learners
are from Wespoort Primary School, Duneside -, Highlands -, Harvester
-,Ridgeville Primary School, and Lentegeur High School.
Jansen expressed his condolences to those affected. He
called on safer scholar transport.
‘’I call for the banning of transporting scholars on open
vehicles/bakkies, overcrowded vehicles, and vehicles without the necessary
safety measures.’’
The Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, shared Jansen’s
sentiments.
"How many more school children must we lose on our
roads before the transportation of children are taken seriously by these
transport operators!?,’’ asked Mackenzie.
"Anyone who's transporting passengers, especially
children, have a waited responsibility to keep them safe. All vehicles must be
roadworthy and must have a permit, and drivers must obey the rules of the
road," he added.
Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his
condolences to the families and those affected.
‘’This is a terrible, dark day in our city. As a parent, my
heart breaks for those who will not see their children return home from school
today. While it can never restore the lives so tragically taken, we trust that
authorities will establish the full facts surrounding this incident so that
there may be accountability for any wrongdoing.’’
Western Cape SAPS confirmed the incident.
"Mitchell's Plain police registered a culpable
homicide case... The circumstances surrounding the incident are under
investigation," said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.
Anyone with any information about this incident is kindly
requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Done By: Mitchum George
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