Driver dies in horror crash on R67 near Rocky Ridge

SMASHED: The remains of a red Jetta that hit another vehicle head-on last Sunday. According to reports the driver of the Jetta was under the influence and had been speeding when he overtook another vehicle and crashed into oncoming traffic. The engine exploded and soon developed into a veld fire that caused significant damage to the adjacent area Picture: LOUISE CARTER
SMASHED: The remains of a red Jetta that hit another vehicle head-on last Sunday. According to reports the driver of the Jetta was under the influence and had been speeding when he overtook another vehicle and crashed into oncoming traffic. The engine exploded and soon developed into a veld fire that caused significant damage to the adjacent area Picture: LOUISE CARTER

LOUISE CARTER

TRAGEDY struck late Sunday afternoon in the form of a devastating car accident that left one person dead and three other passengers with minor injuries on the R67 near Hayes Siding and the Rocky Ridge Farm Stall.

In the second vehicle both passengers escaped unharmed.

MultiSecurity reported that the driver of a red Jetta was speeding and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. According to reports the driver over-steered head-on towards an oncoming car, a white VW Touareg while overtaking another vehicle.

The two vehicles collided at a considerable speed and suffered severe damage. The Jetta’s engine caused an explosion which ignited a fire in the bush near the accident scene after being flung from the vehicle. Emergency services and SAPS arrived soon after the accident and took control of the scene. The driver of the other vehicle and his son escaped unharmed and were taken to the hospital for examination.

According to police spokesman Lt Luvuyo Mjekula, police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after the death of the 30-year-old driver.

The occupants of the white VW Touareg were a man and his son, who were apparently travelling towards Bathurst when they collided with Jetta. They both escaped without injury.

The Jetta was carrying two children aged nine and six, and another adult male who were treated in hospital for minor injuries.

The deceased, Lindikhaya Nonxuba, is reported to be from Bathurst.

While emergency vehicles responded to the scene, the fire managed to grow and spread causing significant damage to the Rocky Ridge Farm stall fencing and adjacent veld.