Grieving families’ warning to motorists
THE families of three people who were killed in an accident on the N3 near Shongweni are appealing to motorists to be more responsible and cautious ahead of the festive season.
David Anthony, Kishore Sudama Jagaroo, 58, and Leena Brijlal, 44, all of Woodview, Phoenix, were killed during a collision between Anthony’s Toyota Etios and a VW last Wednesday.
Two others from the VW were also killed but their identities have not yet been established, while four others escaped with injuries.
The trio, who worked in Pietermaritzburg, travelled in a lift club and when they failed to arrive home by 6pm, their families became worried.
“When I could not reach my wife, Leena, on her cellphone, I knew something was wrong,” said Baboo Brijlal.
His wife, he said, an executive assistant at the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, usually returned home by 6pm.
“If she was delayed for any reason, she would call home.”
After his calls went unanswered, he tried Anthony and Jagaroo.
“They hadn’t answered either, so my daughter Neha and I left for Pietermaritzburg.”
On the way, he called police and was informed of an accident near Shongweni.
“When we arrived, we saw David’s car was completely wrecked. Authorities told me that my wife had died. I just broke down.”
The couple would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on December 16.
“Leena was a wonderful person who put the needs of others before her own. She was a devotee at the Divine Life Society where she taught Sunday school and helped with community projects.”
He said he was now trying to be strong for Neha, 12, and his son, Pranav, 18.
“I appeal to motorists to be cautious and responsible during this time of the year.”
Jagaroo’s daughter, Rivashni, said when her dad failed to arrive home, her mom tried to call him.
“She tried to call Leena as well and finally called her husband. He told us he was also trying to contact them.”
Her dad, a senior administrator for Autobody Suppliers, always notified them if he was running late, she said.
Her uncle decided to also head for Pietermaritzburg and while en-route was notified by police about the accident and subsequent death.
Rivashni said her father had been looking forward to the birth of his second grandchild in three weeks’ time.
Anthony’s family could not be reached for comment.