Middelburg – A devastating tragedy struck the town of Middelburg this morning when a young girl riding her bicycle was fatally hit by a truck on the R555 heading towards Kanonkop.
The incident occurred while the girl and her brother were crossing the road on their bicycles. According to a report by the Middelburg Observer, an eyewitness stated that the truck was allegedly speeding at the time of the incident, leaving no time for the children to escape.
The brother managed to reach the pavement, but tragically, his sister did not make it in time. The truck struck her and reportedly came to a stop on the pavement, with the girl’s bicycle and body ending up beneath the vehicle.
A heartbreaking scene unfolded as the young boy, visibly shaken, rushed back to his sister, his own bicycle lying close by. Bystanders quickly covered the girl’s body.
The girl’s family, well-known for their involvement in the local Community Policing Forum (CPF), arrived at the scene shortly after, their anguish audible from a distance. Her father, currently abroad in Turkey, has been notified and is reportedly making his way back home.
Read | Durban man dies after being struck by a truck at his Springfield Park workplace
CPF members, some in tears, were seen comforting the grieving family while authorities continued their investigation. The section of the R555 leading from Middelburg CBD towards Kanonkop was closed to allow forensic experts to process the scene.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area as authorities work to clear the scene and gather evidence. Details about the cause of the crash will be confirmed once official reports are completed.
SA Trucker wishes to convey our sincere condolonces to the family of the deceased.
Do you have more on this story? Click to WhatsApp us. Anonymity guaranteed.