Several weeks after being admitted to the Frere Hospital after a head-on accident in Beacon Bay in August, survivor Someleze Mhlwazi is back home, recovering.
The 11-year-old boy was one of 15 pupils who were flung out of an unroadworthy Toyota Condor which collided head-on with a bakkie.
The accident caused public outrage after the Dispatch published video footage of the accident showing how the vehicle lost control, crashing into the bakkie and leaving the young pupils scattered on the road.
One victim, Luvo Ngcongcobele, 7, died in hospital from severe head injuries.
Speaking to the Dispatch yesterday almost two months after the accident, the survivor said all he remembered from the accident was how quickly the vehicle had swerved and the screams from other pupils.
“When the car swerved I fell and the car seat fell on my legs tearing my clothes. There was blood all over. Many girls were crying,” he said.
After being discharged from the Frere his teachers from Parkside Primary School decided the Grade 4 pupil should only return to school next year, when he is fully recovered.
His broken legs have been supported with pins and a plaster cast. Doctors will only remove the pins after six months to allow his body to heal.
“I am happy to be back home. I still have pain in my body but at least I have started walking using crutches now.
“It has not been easy because after being discharged from the ICU I could not move or do anything for myself. My parents had to carry me around the house,” he said.
“I miss school, my teachers and friends. The doctors told me I would not be able be able to play rugby again but I could continue swimming. I’m still hurt by the news that I won’t be able to play rugby because I love it.”
His mother Noxolo Mhlwazi said she was worried about her son repeating Grade 4, but felt his recovery was more important.
“He has been very traumatised by the experience. He is scared of taking a taxi now,” Noxolo said. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
Pupil to repeat year after crash
The 11-year-old boy was one of 15 pupils who were flung out of an unroadworthy Toyota Condor which collided head-on with a bakkie.
The accident caused public outrage after the Dispatch published video footage of the accident showing how the vehicle lost control, crashing into the bakkie and leaving the young pupils scattered on the road.
One victim, Luvo Ngcongcobele, 7, died in hospital from severe head injuries.
Speaking to the Dispatch yesterday almost two months after the accident, the survivor said all he remembered from the accident was how quickly the vehicle had swerved and the screams from other pupils.
“When the car swerved I fell and the car seat fell on my legs tearing my clothes. There was blood all over. Many girls were crying,” he said.
After being discharged from the Frere his teachers from Parkside Primary School decided the Grade 4 pupil should only return to school next year, when he is fully recovered.
His broken legs have been supported with pins and a plaster cast. Doctors will only remove the pins after six months to allow his body to heal.
“I am happy to be back home. I still have pain in my body but at least I have started walking using crutches now.
“It has not been easy because after being discharged from the ICU I could not move or do anything for myself. My parents had to carry me around the house,” he said.
“I miss school, my teachers and friends. The doctors told me I would not be able be able to play rugby again but I could continue swimming. I’m still hurt by the news that I won’t be able to play rugby because I love it.”
His mother Noxolo Mhlwazi said she was worried about her son repeating Grade 4, but felt his recovery was more important.
“He has been very traumatised by the experience. He is scared of taking a taxi now,” Noxolo said. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
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