Several PE Harlequins Rugby Football Club players involved in a motor vehicle accident while returning from a match in Jeffreys Bay have been discharged from hospital.
SAPS spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy also confirmed that in the early hours of Sunday, 31 May, they were summoned to an accident scene along the N2 near the Gamtoos River bridge, involving a white BMW, a Toyota Quantum Minibus and a white Audi.
The club confirmed on social media that a number of players were involved in the accident on Sunday while travelling back from the game.
While no serious injuries were reported, three players initially required medical treatment at hospitals in Gqeberha and Humansdorp.
“We ask for your prayers during this time and a speedy recovery for the players affected by this accident,” the club said in a statement issued shortly after the incident.
McCarthy added, “An accident report was registered and, following a preliminary investigation, a case docket of Reckless and Negligent Driving was opened.”
The club also thanked first responders and members of the public who assisted at the scene.
“Thanks to the first responders for their excellent work at the scene to make sure all were taken care of, and everyone who responded after hearing the news and rushed to the scene,” the statement read.
McCarthy alleged that the white BMW, with two occupants, was stationary when a Toyota Quantum Minibus with four occupants drove into it.
“It is further alleged that a third vehicle, a white Audi, with two occupants, drove into the Toyota Quantum,” he said. “Injured passengers were taken to Humansdorp hospital by EMS for medical treatment. An investigation is ongoing.”
Messages of support poured in from across the rugby community, including from Valencia Barbarians RFC.
“Rugby is more than a game, it’s family. And right now, family stands together,” the club said in a message addressed to PE Harlequins.
In an update later on Sunday, PE Harlequins announced that all players involved in the accident had been discharged from hospital.
“We are happy to announce that all players who were involved in the unfortunate car accident have been discharged and will be sleeping in their own beds tonight,” the club said.
The club added that despite the severity of the impact, none of the players required an overnight stay in hospital.
“Miraculously, not one of them needed to stay overnight in hospital, but they are still very much in pain from the severity of the impact.”
PE Harlequins president J. Maestro Le Vack and the club’s management also expressed gratitude for the support received from individuals, rugby clubs and rugby administrators.
The club specifically thanked Eastern Province Rugby president George Malgas for his support, as well as those who made phone calls, sent messages and visited the injured players.
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