Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Four young people died after an accident at the N12/Platan Avenue intersection on Sunday night October 14. Three of the passengers in a
blue Renault died at the scene. A fourth one died a few hours later in hospital. Their names were made public on social media.
They are Ruan Esterhuizen, his girlfriend, Jackie Willis, a friend, Max Knott-Craig and Jane Janse van Rensburg.
The driver and passenger in a white Mercedes Benz that collided with the blue sedan in what is described as a t-bone accident, were picked up and left the scene of the accident in another vehicle. A police officer told Klerksdorp Midweek that several liquor bottles were discovered in the car. Anton Marais from the Department of Public Safety, confirmed that the Benz was confiscated. “At this stage all CCTV footage surrounding the area are scrutinised to get a better understanding of what happened and who was at fault. It forms part of the investigation.’’
Klerksdorp Midweek could confirm that the identity of the driver of the Benz is known to police. We were told he would be questioned on Monday October 14. An arrest was not out of the question. His identity is known to Klerksdorp Midweek but cannot be disclosed due to him not being charged yet.
The blue Renault and a white Suzuki were turning into the intersection at Platan Avenue from the direction of Matlosana Mall when the Benz travelling at a high speed in the direction of Stilfontein, crashed into the Renault causing it to go into a tailspin. The car then apparently knocked into the Suzuki causing it to overturn before coming to a stop on its roof. The driver of the Suzuki escaped with no injuries.
Reports suggest that the driver of the Benz skipped a red traffic light, causing the crash. It is also said that he was intoxicated. The accident happened in an area where illegal street dices are being held on Sunday evenings, attracting a lot of spectators. “All of the allegations are investigated. Witnesses are coming forward. For that time of the evening there were many onlookers at the scene. They were probably there to watch the dicing.”
