Cape Town - Four adults and a baby boy were killed, and six others were injured when a driver lost control of his vehicle on his way from Touws River to De Doorns on Saturday at about 10pm.
Western Cape Traffic spokesperson Jandre Bakker said: “The silver Opel Corsa with 11 occupants – six adults and five children – was travelling in the direction of De Doorns when the driver lost control of the vehicle.”
The scene was attended to by De Doorns police, Provincial Traffic, Worcester Emergency Services and forensics.
Emergency spokesperson Ineke van Huyssteen said: “When ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene at about 11pm, they found patients lying across the road and a vehicle off the roadway.
“Upon further assessment, paramedics found three people who had sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead at the scene. Advanced life support interventions were initiated, but unfortunately, despite the best efforts of all involved, two of the patients also succumbed to their numerous injuries,” she said.
Two more people died in hospital.
“We call on road users to never exceed the licensed capacity of vehicles and for passengers to never distract their driver,” Bakker said.
The provincial police have also warned drivers to be more alert while driving as further crime was expected in crime hot spot areas around Bishop Lavis and Bonteheuwel roads.
Spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said, “Drivers are encouraged to ensure that no valuables are visible inside the vehicle when travelling through the policing precinct on Jakes Gerwel Drive between Bluegum Road and
Jakkalsvlei Avenue, 35th Avenue close to Malawi informal settlement and Valhalla Drive in both directions.”
Police are encouraging drivers to refrain from using their cellphones when using these routes or use equipment fitted in most vehicles in a bid to limit the risk of becoming victims.
“In the event of an attack, do not exit your vehicle to chase the suspect, as they seldom operate as individuals. It is advisable to lock away all valuable items such as laptops, cameras, other electronic devices and wallets. These valuables should not be in sight of passers-by or potential robbers,” he said.