A motorist lost control of their vehicle on 9 December 2024, driving into a group of children sitting on the pavement in Effingham, Durban. The unsettling incident has sparked outrage among South Africans, with many condemning the driver’s apparent carelessness. Fortunately, despite the alarming nature of the crash, only one child was injured. The 14-year-old sustained moderate injuries but was treated by paramedics before being rushed to a hospital for further care.
The group of children, who were sitting on the pavement at the time of the incident, narrowly escaped serious harm, with the other children remaining unscathed. According to traffic safety organisation Arrive Alive, the driver lost control of their vehicle, veering off the road and colliding with the children. Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, with a focus on whether the driver’s actions were reckless or caused by external factors.
This incident follows a string of concerning traffic-related accidents in the area. On the same day, another tragic accident in Durban saw a 70-year-old woman lose her life when a car lost control and rolled multiple times. Emergency services had to extricate the passengers from the wreckage, and the elderly woman was pronounced dead at the scene, highlighting the serious consequences of road accidents in the region.
The incident in Effingham has raised questions about road safety in South Africa, with many urging drivers to exercise greater caution, especially in areas where children are present. As the investigation continues, South Africans are calling for more accountability on the roads and greater emphasis on road safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
