MAFUKANI – Damage worth thousands of rands was caused when a bakery delivery vehicle crashed into a three-roomed house at Mafukani village, outside Tshilamba on Monday last week.

The Ndlovu family members, who were visibly in shock when Mirror visited them, said they thanked God that there was no one in the house when the accident occurred.

An eyewitness to the incident, Ms Elisa Ndlovu (40), told Mirror what happened. “I was in my neighbour’s yard when I saw the vehicle coming straight at our house. I heard a very loud bang as the vehicle crashed into the house and, within a minute, every-thing was damaged. At times we relax in the house, watching TV, but that day we never thought of it. If we had been inside, the entire family could have been wiped out, but we are thankful that we were not in the house.”

Another family member, Sankie Ndlovu (29), said the incident has left the family poor as most of the property was destroyed.

“All our household equipment, which includes two tables and four chairs, a room divider, a dressing table, a wardrobe, an electric stove, a double bed, a television set and kitchen utensils such as cutlery and glasses, was damaged. It happened at a bad time when we were preparing for an enjoyable Christmas, but is seems ours will be a nightmare as we were seriously crippled by the incident. We no longer have enough accommodation as we are now forced to share our other two-roomed house unnecessarily. ”

Insp Tshilidzi Nyambeni of Mutale SAPS confirmed the incident and explained to Mirror that the police are investigat-ing a case of reckless and negligent driving.

According the police report, the 29-year-old driver failed to control the vehicle when its right tyre burst and the vehicle went off the road to hit the house. Both the driver and his assistant were injured and they were rushed to Donald Fraser Hospital.

“The driver suffered injuries to his legs, hand and mouth, but he was treated and discharged. The 37-year-old assistant is still in hospital and he was injured to his right leg, left hand and eyes,” said Insp Nyambeni.