Screams of overwhelming grief and shock echoed out along Agra Road when the parents of a three-year-old discovered that their child was tragically struck down by a taxi and killed, recently.
“What happened to my child? What did you do to my child?” cried the family when they arrived at the scene, moments after the child was declared dead by responding paramedics from KZNEMS and SharajEMS.
SAPS and Public Safety officials cordoned off the scene and desperately tried to keep the grief-stricken parents from the body of the three-year-old as a few somber officials consoled the grieving family members. Bystanders watched as other police members gathered evidence and said: “This is so heartbreaking to watch.”
It is alleged that the three-year-old was with her brother, crossing the road, when she let go of his hand and ran into the road where she was fatally struck by the taxi.
This is the second incident to have been reported after a 12-year-old child was struck on Cochrane Road not long ago and is still in ICU.
“The three-year-old child suffered fatal injuries and detectives are investigating a case of culpable homicide. The deceased has not yet been identified,” said Warrant Officer Bash Khan of SAPS Ladysmith.
Officials at the scene shared their concerns about pedestrians and motorists with The Ladysmith Herald, saying that the behaviour of both motorists and pedestrians plays a vital role in following the rules of the road.
Public Safety officials do yearly visits to schools within the area to advise learners and small children on how to cross the road, among other safety measures. “However, it is also motorists who need to be more vigilant when travelling near schools and residential areas,” said an official, adding that by slowing down and just being mindful of children and adults, incidents of this nature can be avoided.
