A 14-year-old boy has died in a tragic crash in KwaMashu, north of Durban, after allegedly being forced to drive his intoxicated father, sparking renewed warnings about alcohol abuse and underage driving.
According to Durban Metro Police, the incident occurred on Sunday on the M25 near Duffs Road. Preliminary reports indicate that the teenager lost control of the vehicle, which overturned multiple times.
The boy was declared dead at the scene, while his father, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), who responded shortly after the crash, said the vehicle a blue Toyota Corolla Quest veered off the road after the driver failed to negotiate a bend.
“It is alleged that the 14-year-old was travelling in the eastbound lane when he lost control, causing the vehicle to veer onto the verge before rolling several times,” RUSA said in a statement.
The car eventually came to rest on all four wheels in the opposite lane, facing westbound.
Paramedics found that the teenager had been ejected from the vehicle and had sustained fatal injuries.
Authorities believe the father’s alleged intoxication led to the minor being behind the wheel.
The incident has drawn strong concern from South Africans Against Drunk Driving (SADD), which described the crash as a devastating reminder of the dangers of alcohol abuse and its impact on children.
SADD founder Caro Smit urged parents to take responsibility and ensure that their drinking does not place children at risk.
She added that families struggling with alcohol abuse can seek help from organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, SANCA, Tough Love and Al-Anon, which offer support and counselling services.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya conveyed condolences on behalf of MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma.
“The MEC has expressed his deepest condolences to the family. Other matters will be addressed after the funeral, as this is a time to show compassion and support,” Sibiya said.