Tragedy Strikes at Wet Nose

On the night of the 13th of May, an unimaginable tragedy struck at Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre. Out of nowhere, a taxi came flying through our boundary wall, right next to our exercise runs. If Veronica, our Animal Welfare Manager had walked by just five seconds earlier, the taxi would have hit her.

The taxi, travelling at more than 100kph, swerved off the road, hit a rock, flipped and crashed through our boundary wall. The crash was devastating and many of the 11 passengers were thrown out of the taxi. Amid the chaos, Veronica witnessed one of the passengers frantically trying to reach their loved ones. She assisted the badly injured passenger in making a phone call informing his family of the situation. This phone call reached the ears of all the families whose loved ones were involved in the accident. They were all employed by the same company and on their to work in this particular taxi, as the taxi was providing transport for the workers.

Moments later everyone’s families arrived at the scene, their cries and prayers filled the night, hoping for the safety of those they cherished.

Tragically, one passenger lost their life, three were critically injured, and seven others sustained serious injuries. The injured were rushed between Bronkhorstspruit Hospital and Wilgers Hospital.

We are deeply grateful for the swift response from the first responders, ambulances, and fire services. To add insult to injury, the last ambulance to leave the scene from Wet Nose was spiked on the N4, adding another layer of distress to an already heartbreaking night.
Our hearts break for the families involved. We extend our deepest sympathies and support to everyone affected by this tragedy and ask for your thoughts and prayers for the victims and families of the accident.