It was a tragic end of a day for three siblings and two others following a collision in Vredefort on the R721 on Sunday, July 31.
A bakkie had reportedly collided with a truck, leading to the death of the siblings and two others. Police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani confirmed the incident while also noting that the three siblings, aged 10, 16 and 18, have been identified by their next of kin.
The other occupant of the bakkie in which the siblings died was aged 11 and identified as a friend of the trio. The other dead, a 16-year-old hitchhiker, was unidentified at the time of writing.
Detailing what exactly happened on the day of the accident, the police noted that the three siblings and two others, who were in the bakkie, died on the scene. The bakkie had caught fire, and three of its occupants were trapped. They unfortunately never made it alive.
In contrast, the driver of the truck was rushed to the hospital with only slight injuries from the accident. Although unharmed, the truck driver is deeply “shaken” by the accident.
Investigations continue into the accident, according to police authorities, who have so far noted the bodies of the dead were burned beyond recognition.
