Girl (5) killed by suspected drunk driver in Harties
A 29-year-old female motorist was arrested and charged with culpable homicide and driving under the influence.
The woman was arrested by members of Hartbeespoortdam, on Christmas day, after her vehicle crashed into a mother and her two children, killing the girl instantly.
“The police were informed about a black Volkswagen Amarok bakkie that collided with a mother and two children in Kosmos at Simon Bekker Avenue in Hartbeespoortdam. At the accident scene, a 5-year-old girl was certified dead by the Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) paramedics,” North West police spokesperson Adele Myburgh said.
The second victim, who is the 22-year-old mother of the deceased, was taken to a local hospital and admitted with serious head injuries.
“The third victim, who is a baby girl, was also admitted to hospital in a serious condition,” added Myburgh.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Earlier this month, Transport Minister Barbra Creecy expressed concern about pedestrians and driver behaviour on the country's roads.
Creecy was delivering an update on the mid-Festive Season preliminary road safety report.
At the time, the minister reported that 512 people had died on the country's roads since 1 December.
“We remain concerned about the high number of people who continue to drive under the influence of alcohol and pedestrians who use roads recklessly,” Creecy said.
She said there had been an increase in accidents and fatalities.
Serious accidents increased by 3%, with 426 crashes that involved fatalities, since 1 December. Nearly half of those who had died (45%) were pedestrians.
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