Community mourns loss of three friends
eSikhaleni community mourns the tragic loss of three friends.
TRIBUTES are still pouring in after a tragic accident on the N2 took the lives of three friends last Saturday morning.
Grieving friends and school mates have been sharing their thoughts on social networks, conveying their love and condolences to the families.
A Facebook page has been created as a platform for the community to pay their respects.
The sole survivor, Ntokozo Mnqayi, told the Zululand Observer that his friends had a sense of humour with big hearts and will be missed.
‘They loved to laugh, especially Gugulethu,’ he said.
On their way home from a matric farewell, Sthembiso Gumede, Nkosinathi Mthembu and Gugulethu Jobe died in a car accident on the highway.
Two of the boys died on impact and one died in hospital.
But survivor, Ntokozo, a John Ross College Grade 12 pupil, was rushed to The Bay Hospital and released later.
According to Empangeni SAPS spokesperson, Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose, a Toyota Hilux bakkie collided with a truck and trailer.
‘The driver of the truck did not see the car. He dragged the vehicle for a long distance before he realised what had happened. The bakkie was hanging from the road railing,’ said Mdlalose.
ICE Medical Rescue paramedic, Siphelele Luthuli, who responded to the call, said the scene was traumatic for those who stopped to assist.
‘The vehicle that carried the four passengers’ was hanging from the bridge rails. A tow-truck had to pull the mangled wreck out of the way before the fire department could gain access,’ said Luthuli.
As the community mourns the sudden death of three pupils, a case of culpable homicide has been opened at Empangeni police station.
