The Poongavanam family is yet to come to terms with the untimely death of tow truck operator and father-of-one, Daniel Presto Poongavanam, better known as Clinton, who was killed in a horrific accident while assisting a broken down truck on the R102 on Saturday, 27 July.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, the 41-year-old Phoenix resident stopped to assist a broken down truck with his amber lights on when he was struck, while in the vehicle, by a VW Golf that was allegedly speeding. Joel Poongavanam, brother to the deceased, told the Phoenix Tabloid that Clinton was known for his kindness and generosity.
“We will miss Clinton’s festive spirit, the random phone calls and pop-up visits. He was a very adventurous person and enjoyed fishing. He loved cooking and we never saw Clinton with a sad face. He was always happy and smiling. In any situation or circumstance, he chose to be happy.”
Poongavanam said he was proud of his brother, who was rehabilitated after using drugs for many years, as he had managed to turn his life around for the good.
“Clinton was on the straight path. He changed and turned his life around for his family. Clinton was always trying to do better and be the best. He did the best he could do. He was a phone call away for any assistance. He would often talk and mentor the young boys in the community. He would ensure they were out of trouble, and they loved him a lot. They saw Clinton’s good and caring heart and were grateful to him,” said the brother.
He added that Clinton had been in the towing industry for four years and had found his place as he loved assisting people.
“Even if it was just to move people off the road to a safe location, Clinton would not even charge them. He just wanted them to be safe. Clinton’s relationship with Tyrone and me was a typical sibling relationship. As brothers, we would always be joking, laughing, and teasing each other. Clinton was the one that we would call at any time of the night to assist with anything and he was always there.
“We trust the law and we know that justice will be served on the drunken driver that robbed Clinton of his life. Clinton was not given a single second of survival. We hope that our South African justice system will take its course and that the driver will face the full arm of the law regarding the accident,” said Poongavanam.
KZN VIP spokesperson, Gareth Naidoo, said that medics together with other emergency services responded to a call of an accident on the R102, in-between Palmview and the Phoenix off-ramp, where they made the shocking discovery of a tow truck vehicle which was engulfed in flames with the driver entrapped in the wreckage.
“It is believed that a tow truck operator was parked behind a truck that was broken down with his amber bar light on. He was struck at high speed by a VW Golf, which pushed the tow truck into the truck which led to the tow truck immediately bursting into flames. Tow truck operators, bystanders, and medics all attempted to extinguish the inferno by using fire extinguishers, sand, and all other resources in an attempt to free the driver, but unfortunately were unsuccessful,” said Naidoo.
He said the driver of the truck who was being assisted was also injured in the crash and sustained serious injuries.
“He was stabilised by KZN VIP Medics before being rushed rapidly to a medical facility. Reports received from witnesses and people attending the scene show that the driver of the VW Golf was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and was taken away by police for further testing. Anyone who knew Clinton knew that he had turned his whole life around and always offered a helping hand to whoever needed it. It is indeed a great loss to the towing community and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family,” added Naidoo.
Captain Carmen Rhynes, eThekwini District communications officer, said a case of culpable homicide and drunk driving is under investigation by Verulam SAPS.
She said: “Verulam SAPS received a complaint of an accident on the R102, southbound near Phoenix Cemetery, on Saturday, 27 July. On arrival at the scene, the SAPS member noticed a burnt-out Nissan double cab with the remains of one deceased. The member then noticed, at the centre of both south and northbound, a silver VW Golf facing west with extensive front damage. The alleged driver of the VW Golf was receiving treatment from the ambulance service. He was interviewed and stated that he was travelling along R102 following a tow truck when the vehicle suddenly stopped in front of him and it resulted in a collision which led the tow truck catching on fire,” added Cpt Rhynes.
She added that while interviewing the driver, the police officer noticed that his breath smelled of alcohol.
“The Indian male, aged 19-years-old, was placed under arrest for culpable homicide and drunk and driving. He was then taken for a blood extraction at the hospital,” said Cpt Rhynes.
Following the death of Clinton, the community of Phoenix has flooded various social media posts, passing their condolences to the family while also speaking highly of the deceased.
Facebook user, Justin Naicker, said: “Clinton turned his life around and was living for the better. Sadly, we lost a good soul in such a tragic manner. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his brothers and family during this time.”
Rebecca Rajkumar said: “I met Clinton several times as we live in the same neighbourhood and he was such a kind soul. Always willing to assist the community and so funny with the elderly. This is such a heartbreaking situation and my heart goes out to the Poongavanam family during their time of mourning.”
