2 killed in unrelated crashes over weekend
A MOTORIST had a narrow escape after his car was hit by a train at a level crossing and dragged for about 50 metres yesterday.
The crash occurred at the Uxbridge Road level crossing in Lakeside, about 7am. According to residents, the warning lights and booms at the crossing had not been working for months, resulting in an increase in similar incidents.
ER24 spokesperson Ineke van Huyssteen said: “ER24 was on the scene, but a government ambulance transported a woman with moderate injuries. The driver and passenger were not injured.”
Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said: “The incident will be investigated internally by Metrorail in conjunction with the police report… At this stage it is premature to speculate on the outcome.
“We appeal to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to approach level crossings with caution.”
In another incident at the weekend, one person was killed and at least 15 others injured after a taxi and a bakkie collided at a set of robots next to Welgevonden estate in Stellenbosch on Saturday morning.
Van Huyssten said: “Upon ER24’s arrival at 7.12am, all the patients were out of the vehicles. Some were lying down, some were seated and others were walking around.”
One woman, lying next to the taxi, was declared dead while other people were transported to nearby hospitals. The circumstances surrounding the incident could not be confirmed.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a case of culpable homicide was opened for investigation after the 38-year-old woman’s death.
Meanwhile, on Friday morning, a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier was killed after a military bus overturned. The incident occurred about 10am on the N12 highway from Kimberley en route to Saldanha.
The bus was carrying 43 members from various units in Kimberley to a soccer tournament.
SANDF spokesperson Brigadier General Mafi Mgobozi will be announcing the name of the deceased member today.
Three critically injured soldiers and 38 who suffered minor injuries were taken to nearby hospital for treatment.