It has been
confirmed that two men were hospitalised with injuries after their light
aircraft crash landed on the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch earlier
today (Wednesday 1 June).
According
to ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring, authorities found the men seated near the
wrecked aircraft in the middle of the busy arterial route close to Winery Road.
“Medics
assessed the men and found that one had sustained serious injuries, while the
other had escaped with minor injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities were found,”
said Meiring.
“The patients were treated and provided with
pain-relief medication before being transported to Mediclinic Stellenbosch for
urgent care.”
Details of the incident, which reportedly occurred before
noon, are yet to be established.
Local authorities including police, traffic and Stellenbosch
Fire and Rescue remain on-scene for further investigations.
Stuart Burgess, a committee member of Stellenbosch Flying
Club, confirmed the aircraft is one used for flight training, but not from
their training centre or one hangered at the club by a member.
A representative of 4 Aviators Pilot Training, which the
aircraft is apparently linked to, reserved comment on the incident, saying:
“The incident needs to be assessed and investigated by the South African Civil
Aviation Authority.”
Traffic is still backed up in both directions on the R44,
with responders diverting motorists via Annandale Road.
