Image: File
A nine-year-old girl from Nonceba Primary School was killed by a car on the N2 at Qora village on Monday morning.
Eastern Cape department of transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the pupil died at the scene.
An witness and teacher at the school, who asked not to be named, said the child was walking to school near a high accident zone on the N2.
She said this area was a major concern for the community.
“The child was halfway across but tried to run back when she saw a car coming and that is when it hit her. We need speed bumps here. This is not the first person to be killed on this road. If nothing is done more lives will be lost.”
She said traffic had been backed up for an hour to allow emergency workers to clear the scene.
Bhinqose urged motorists to abide by the rules of the road at all times.
“Our deepest condolences go to the family and loved ones of the little one, her friends who witnessed that traumatic incident and the school at large. We call on motorists to be mindful of pupils, who unfortunately have to cross these roads to get to school.”
He said: “We as the department will also intensify our road safety programmes at schools to try to avert similar incidents from recurring.”