Heartbreak swept across social media over the weekend as hundreds of tributes poured in for the four teenagers who tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident in Brackenfell, Cape Town on Saturday evening.
Three boys and a girl were killed when their vehicle crashed into a tree and burst into flames on Cecil Morgan Drive in the direction of Kuils River at around 18:00. The accident happened on a curve in the road that local motorists have described as “deceptive.”
Paramedic Kobus Kotze, who was on the scene, said the driver and front passenger of the white BMW died on impact, while the four passengers in the back were rescued from the burning vehicle by passing motorists who stopped to help.
“Two patients rescued from the burning car died on the scene, while the other two sustained serious injuries. They were treated and stabilized on scene before being transported to nearby hospitals,” said Kotze.
Daniel Jansen van Rensburg (19), and Perth Eksteen (17) both lived in Brackenfell and were learners at Fairmont High School in Durbanville. Adrian le Roux (16), also from Brackenfell, was a learner at Monument Park High School in Kraaifontein, and Kiara-Joy Daniels (16) was homeschooled in Kuils River.
The two surviving teenagers, whose names were not made public, are both learners at Meridian Pinehurst High School in Durbanville. They remain in a critical condition in hospital.
School community mourns loss
With deep empathy and sorrow, Fairmont High School shared a heartfelt tribute on Sunday to Jansen van Rensburg and Eksteen, remembering the two young men as cherished members of their school community.
“It is with deeply broken hearts that we acknowledge the passing of two young members of our Fairmont family. We are incredibly saddened by the loss of Perth Eksteen, a vibrant and unforgettable Grade 12 student. Perth was full of energy, confidence, and spirit. Never one to go unnoticed. His bold presence, sense of humour, and sharp wit left a lasting impression on his peers and teachers alike. He brought life into every space he entered and will be sorely missed,” the school stated.
“We also honour the memory of Daniel Jansen van Rensburg, a past pupil who continued to proudly represent Fairmont on the rugby field, after transitioning to homeschooling. Daniel’s passion for the sport and his quiet determination made him a valued teammate and friend. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Eksteen and Van Rensburg families during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with all those in our school community who are grieving the loss of these two young men.”
Mother of Kiara-Joy, Sonja Jenniker-Frantz, shared her grieve on Monday morning writing on her Facebook page: “I woke up…I really thought I was dreaming I keep seeing you, I keep seeing you. Kiara-Joy you can’t be gone. What am I going to do…my Preacher… my life of Joy… my heart has not prepared for this. I can’t understand…I am trying to figure this out. I can’t believe it’s happened, can I wake up from a bad dream.”
The management, staff and learners at Monument High School on Monday morning commiserated with Adrian’s loved ones.
A tribute from the school reads: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Adrian, a cherished member of our school community. His presence brought light, laughter and kindness to those around him. Losing someone so young is a profound tragedy. May we honour Adrian’s memory by supporting each other with compassion and care and by remembering the joy he brought into our lives.”
Community united in grief
In a post on social media, community member Michelle Gross shared her condolences writing: “My sincerest condolences to all the families, friends and loved ones who have lost someone dear in this accident. I cannot begin to think what they are going through. May you all take a lot of strength from the school community and know that you are in our thoughts.”
Offering her heartfelt sympathy Deidre Mason wrote: “Such a tragedy! Our children who knew these boys are deeply affected. Sincere sympathy to the parents and families affected. You’re in our hearts and in our prayers. May you receive peace that passes understanding as you come to terms with this unthinkable loss.”
Cecilia Gomez Hutchinson expressed her sorrow by saying: “This is very heartbreaking as these were young men and a young lady starting their future. My sincere condolences to all the families as they try to figure this tragedy out. My friend lost her nephew in this accident. May God console and comfort the parents, siblings, friends, family members at this time of bereavement. May our gracious and merciful God receive their souls and may they all rest in peace.”
Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk says a case of culpable homicide was registered at Brackenfell Police Station where the circumstances surrounding this accident are under investigation.
Anyone with information about this accident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
According to reports the motor vehicle with six occupants collided with a tree in Cecil Morgan Drive. Four of the occupants were declared deceased on the scene and two were taken to hospital in critical condition. Investigations continues.
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