Three-year-old dies after being run over

A three-year-old child who attempted to cross the busy Elim/Waterval Road was killed instantly when he was run over by a vehicle on Saturday, May 12.

The child’s tragic death followed just hours after the terror crash between a minibus taxi and a truck, which claimed 11 lives along the same stretch of road.

Regional police spokesperson Supt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said that a case of culpable homicide was opened against the driver of the vehicle. He confirmed that the toddler was killed when he tried to cross the road unattended.

Spokesperson for the Department of Transport Mr Boiki Tsedu said accidents such as the one in which the child was killed are far too common on the region’s roads. While a case of culpable homicide is being investigated against the driver of the vehicle, Mr Tsedu said that the responsibility for such a young child lies with the parents and that it was irresponsibly to allow a three-year-old child to cross a busy road without proper adult supervision.

Mr Tsedu said that all road users, both pedestrians and motorists, should learn from the accident. He urged all to adhere to traffic rules and speed limits, especially in residential areas. Mr Tsedu said his department had embarked on a project to emphasize the importance of protecting children and never to leave them to cross roads unattended.

News - Date: 18 May 2007

Riaan de Swardt

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