Roodepoort North’s death trap

An eyewitness and resident of 5th Avenue brought an accident on Tuesday 2 July to the Record‘s attention.

According to Sandra Lynch there was a collision on 5th Avenue late in the afternoon on 2 July between a black Volkswagen Golf and a white bakkie. The two occupants of the Golf, and the elderly couple and their grandson in the bakkie were left only with minor injuries.

The elderly woman allegedly complained about a neck injury and headache on the scene.
Netcare 911 spokesperson Santi Steinmann says that they were called out, but the minor injuries were treated on the scene and no one was transported to a medical facility for further assistance.

Rumour has it that Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) were on the scene as well, but owing to their ever-ringing telephones they have not provided any confirmation.

Lynch believes that those involved in Tuesday’s accident are lucky, since “5th Avenue is a death trap”.

Lynch has been residing on 5th Avenue for more than nine years and has been witness to many horrific accidents.

“I have seen many car accidents and animals getting knocked over – once, they even had to have a helicopter airlift an injured man to hospital [sic].

“We [the residents] have been told for many years that the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) cannot implement speed bumps, more stop streets or traffic circles because this road is a main route for emergency vehicles.

“However, at night you can hear vehicles racing down the street.

“Minibuses also have been a great danger on this road,” Lynch told the Record with the hopeless addition of “I do not know who to contact about this, but something must be done”.

The Record is investigating the matter.