Key Takeaways
- A collision between a police van and a Toyota Yaris at the corner of Morgenster Road and Eisleben Road in Mitchells Plain left nine people injured on Tuesday, 9 December.
- The incident involved two women, five men, and two police officers, with one woman and five men being slightly injured and taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment under police guard.
- This is the second collision on Eisleben Road in Mitchell’s Plain in 20 days, following a fatal multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday, November 19, in which one person was killed and 11 others were injured.
- The City’s mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, highlighted safety concerns at the intersection, citing eight incidents since January last year, all caused by poor driver behavior.
Introduction to the Incident
A collision at the corner of Morgenster Road and Eisleben Road in Mitchells Plain left nine people injured on Tuesday, 9 December. Reports from the scene indicate that a black Toyota Yaris and a police van were involved in the collision, resulting in injuries to two women, five men, and two police officers. The incident is currently under investigation, with Provincial police spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk stating that a case of reckless and negligent driving has been registered.
Details of the Collision
According to witnesses who were on the scene, the police vehicle was coming from Pollsmoor Prison en route to Philippi Magistrates’ Court when it collided with the Toyota. One woman and five men were slightly injured and taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment under police guard. The injured driver of the Toyota, a woman pedestrian, and two police members were also transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Captain Van Wyk confirmed that all prisoners were accounted for and were taken to court.
Reaction from Witnesses and Organizations
Arisen Women Foundation director Chantal Scoble, who was at the scene, described the incident as a "frightening moment" and expressed concern for the injured parties. Programme manager Gaynor Dankers said the organisation was shocked to learn of the accident, which occurred while one of their colleagues, a nurse, was on her way to attend clients. Foundation administrator Gayslo-Ann Nomdo described arriving at the scene and finding their colleague already in an ambulance, along with another woman. Nomdo emphasized that the accident could have been fatal if there had been a passenger in the car.
Safety Concerns at the Intersection
City’s mayoral committee member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, highlighted safety concerns at the intersection, citing eight incidents since January last year, all caused by poor driver behavior. Quintas stated that the intersection was signalised in December 2023, following an assessment that deemed the stop-controlled intersection unsafe. However, no further traffic control measures are planned at this location, as Eisleben Road is a higher-order mobility route designed to facilitate traffic flow for a high volume of vehicles and does not qualify for traffic calming measures under the City’s policy.
Investigation and Aftermath
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, said Captain Van Wyk. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the intersection and the need for improved traffic control measures. The Arisen Women Foundation has expressed concern for their injured colleague and is awaiting details on her condition. Alternative arrangements have been made to ensure services continue while she recovers. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the need for vigilance on the roads.