A tragic accident on Meyer Street (R555) in Middelburg on Tuesday has left the community reeling with sorrow. Seven-year-old Janeke Brink, a pupil at Middelburg Primary School, lost her life after being struck by a truck.
Dashcam footage has confirmed that the truck driver was travelling within the legal speed limit and did everything possible to avoid the collision.
According to a report by the Middelburg Observer, footage from the truck’s dashcam shows the vehicle travelling at 40 km/h – below the legal limit for that area. The driver also hooted multiple times to warn the children on their bicycles and even reduced speed as Janeke suddenly ended up in his path. Despite his efforts, the heartbreaking accident could not be prevented.
This footage, which will not be made public out of respect for the family, clearly shows the driver acted appropriately under the circumstances. Still, an innocent life was lost – a painful reminder that even when we follow the rules, tragedy can still strike.
Janeke’s father, still struggling to come to terms with the loss, has called for speed bumps and more visible law enforcement along Meyer Street. His grief is deepened by the trauma now carried by Janeke’s two brothers, aged nine and ten, who witnessed the accident. The older brother even rushed to pull his sister from beneath the truck – an image no child should have to carry.
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The transport company involved confirmed the truck was not speeding.
This raises an urgent question: are our suburban roads truly safe for children and pedestrians? Speed bumps may be a temporary measure, but meaningful solutions require deeper intervention – better traffic enforcement, responsible hiring, and community-driven safety improvements.
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A Painful Reminder for All Truckers
Janeke’s funeral will be held next Wednesday at 11:00 at the PPK Lofdal Congregation in SADC Street. As the Middelburg community prepares to say goodbye, her death stands as a stark reminder of how unforgiving the roads can be, even when no laws are broken.
To us truckers, this is a heavy lesson. The driver involved may not face legal charges, but he will carry the weight of this day forever. We operate massive machines that require not only skill but constant vigilance, and sadly, even that isn’t always enough.
SA Trucker sends our deepest condolences to the Brink family during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Source – Middleburg Observer
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