Five children killed in bakkie crash

Police are investigating a culpable homicide case after five children died and six other people were injured in a bakkie crash on the N1, on Sunday night.

The crash between Brackenfell Boulevard and the R300 comes just over a month after five primary school pupils died in a bakkie crash in Mitchell’s Plain on Tuesday May 30. A sixth child, a high school pupil, died later in hospital.

Provincial police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said the Ford Bantam bakkie had been travelling from Koue Bokkeveld to Dunoon.

A man was arrested and would appear in court once charged, said Captain Van Wyk.

According to ER24 spokesman Russel Meiring, emergency services arrived on the scene at about 11pm to find the bakkie upright on the centre median.

“Several patients, including children, were seen scattered around,” he said.

Medics found that five children, aged 1 to 7, had sustained fatal injuries. “Nothing could be done for them, and they were declared dead,” he said.

Six other patients, including children, were assessed and found with injuries ranging from minor to critical.

Paramedics treated the patients and provided the critically injured with advanced life support before they were transported to nearby hospitals for further care.

“Circumstances surrounding this accident are under investigation,” said Captain Van Wyk.

Titanium Securitas Medical Response team spokesman Kobus Kotze said it’s believed the driver lost control of the bakkie, which then hit a barrier. The driver was arrested on the scene by police.

Anyone with any information about the crash can call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.