Family of Six Tragically Killed in Fiery Tsitsikamma Car Crash on New Year’s Eve
A devastating accident on New Year’s Eve last year claimed the lives of six family members from KwaZakhele, Gqeberha, as they were traveling to the Western Cape for a holiday. The family, filled with excitement for the start of the New Year, tragically lost their lives in a fiery head-on collision near Storms River.
Details of the Accident
The heartbreaking incident occurred on the 31st of December at around 17:30 near the N2 -9 21,6E marker between Storms River and Humansdorp. The family, traveling westward in a Mini Cooper, was looking forward to celebrating the arrival of 2025 in the Western Cape.
Their vehicle collided head-on with a Toyota Rav4 heading eastward toward the Eastern Cape. The impact caused the Mini Cooper to overturn and burst into flames, leaving no survivors in the vehicle.
Victims Identified
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu released the names of the six family members who perished in the crash:
Sandile Patrick (38) – Driver of the Mini Cooper
Noyakhe Regina Heleni (71)
Thembela Heleni (51)
Zikhona Heleni (27)
Kungane Heleni (3)
Azingce Heleni (1)
Survivors of the Toyota Rav4
The Toyota Rav4 was occupied by a male and female tourist from Dubai, who sustained minor injuries in the collision. Initial reports incorrectly identified the tourists as being from Switzerland, but this was later clarified by Colonel Naidu.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragic event, treating it as a case of culpable homicide. The focus of the investigation is to determine the exact cause of the collision and assess whether any legal actions are warranted.
Simon Zwane, spokesperson for the Road Traffic Management Corporation, stated that the probe would include evaluating factors such as road conditions, vehicle speed, and potential driver error.
A Community in Mourning
The KwaZakhele community has been left reeling from the loss of six family members in such a tragic manner. The family, who had been eagerly anticipating a joyful holiday, instead met an untimely and devastating end.
Messages of condolence and support have flooded in from across the nation, with many mourning the loss of innocent lives and expressing solidarity with the grieving extended family.
A Heartbreaking End to 2024
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly during the holiday season. What was meant to be a time of celebration and new beginnings for the Heleni family turned into an unspeakable tragedy.
As the investigation continues, updates will be provided to the public. For now, the thoughts of the nation remain with the loved ones of the Heleni family, whose lives were tragically cut short as they looked forward to welcoming the New Year.