Two minor children have been left orphaned following a horrific multi-vehicle crash along the R102 and JG Champion intersection on Friday, 1 March, which claimed the lives of their parents, Tashina Naicker and Wesley Moodley.
According to reports, a total of four vehicles were involved in the crash that resulted in the Verulam couple’s death, leaving several injured. Gareth Naidoo, KZN VIP spokesperson, said that their dispatch centre was inundated with calls from passing motorists requesting immediate medical assistance.
“Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, three people were entrapped in the wreckage and one person had been ejected from the vehicle. Additional ambulances were called out to the scene and medics began stabilising the injured. The Fire Department responded swiftly to the scene and assisted with freeing the patients who were entrapped in the vehicle.
“Two people succumbed to their injuries at the scene while medics rapidly transported the other injured patients to various medical facilities, for further medical attention. All emergency services were in attendance and traffic was severely affected as the roadway was closed-off,” said Naidoo.
The head of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Prem Balram, said that when they arrived on the scene at approximately 10.34pm, they discovered emergency services in attendance.
“Paramedics from a private ambulance service and firefighters were in the process of extracting entrapped occupants of a red VW Golf. The Jaws of Life were utilised to free the injured from the wreckage. A female in the vehicle was fatally injured and pronounced deceased at the scene. Three occupants of a silver Toyota Fortuner were being treated for injuries they sustained. It is alleged that the Toyota Fortuner was turning into Phoenix – from Ottawa and the VW Golf was travelling in the opposite direction when they collided at the intersection,” said Balram.
Social media platforms have since been flooded with condolence messages for the grieving families. On Facebook, Sandy Pillay said: “This is absolutely shocking. Memories of you both will be cherished forever, my heart goes out to the families and the two beautiful babies. RIP my dearest Tashina and Wesley.”
Sinone Munisamy posted: “Absolutely sad news. RIP to the departed souls. May the love and comfort of our Lord rest upon the grieving family.”
While another user, Winston Munsamy said: “Well someone unfortunately broke the rules of the road. Was it the person turning or the one going straight. What a sad way to a lose a life. My mother died like this, it’s very heartbreaking for the family to see their loved one die like this. Life is already short as it is. Life is momentary, it’s like a vapour, it’s here today and tomorrow it’s gone. We are all going to die someday, but nobody deserves to lose their life like this. This is just cutting life short. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.”
Captain Louise Naidoo, SAPS Phoenix communications officer, said that a case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation following the fatal accident.
She said: “The accident occurred on the R102 and JG Champion intersection at 10.05pm. Tashina Naicker and Wesley Moodley of Waffle Street in Verulam succumbed to their injuries, while multiple occupants were transported to medical facilities to receive medical care. Jaws of Life were used to free Tashina Naicker from a VW Golf who was declared dead at the scene. She sustained serious head injuries and both her legs were broken. Her husband, Wesley Moodley, was rushed to hospital but passed away due to the serious head injuries that he sustained.”
Mark Nadasen from the Phoenix Community Police Forum said: “The Phoenix Community Police Forum extends our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The loss of loved ones in such a sudden and tragic manner is truly devastating and our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they navigate through this unimaginable grief. We also remind all road users that road safety is everyone’s responsibility and urge motorists to play their part by obeying the rules of the road to deter accidents and the loss of lives on our roads.”
