Learner killed, three injured as out-of-control BMW ploughs into learners in Lenasia South
The driver of the BMW, an adult male, escaped the crash without physical injuries.
A quiet Saturday afternoon turned into a scene of devastation when a speeding BMW allegedly lost control and crashed into four teenage learners, killing one and leaving three others seriously injured in Lenasia South.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, June 6, at the intersection of Sheffield Road and Lancaster Street, sending shockwaves through the local community and school fraternity.
According to Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, preliminary reports indicate that a silver BMW travelling northbound on Sheffield Road veered off the roadway after the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle.
The vehicle then slammed into four female pedestrians, all believed to be around 17 years old.
The victims were learners from Lenasia South Secondary School who had reportedly just completed internal Grade 12 intervention classes when tragedy struck.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson for the MEC of Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Onwabile Lubhelwana, confirmed that emergency services and parents were immediately notified following the incident.
One of the learners, Tinyoko Nomthandazo Vilakazi, suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
“Her body has since been removed to the Sebokeng Mortuary,” said Superintendent Fihla. “The remaining three pedestrians sustained serious injuries and were treated by emergency personnel before being transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.” The injured learners were taken to Baragwanath Hospital and other medical facilities for treatment.
The driver of the BMW, an adult male, escaped the crash without physical injuries.
A culpable homicide case is opened and investigated by the Lenasia South South African Police Service (SAPS) to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
The JMPD extended its condolences to the grieving family and the school community while urging motorists to exercise greater caution on the roads. “We appeal to all motorists to maintain safe speeds, remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas where pedestrians are present,” the department said.
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Vilakazi family, fellow learners and educators affected by the tragedy.
The fatal crash has heightened concerns about road safety in the area. It comes after a learner from Southview High School was injured when struck by the side mirror of a passing vehicle on Starling Street during the same week.
For many residents, Saturday’s tragedy is a painful reminder of the deadly consequences of reckless or negligent driving and the vulnerability of learners walking to and from school.
As investigators work to determine what caused the BMW to leave the road, a family mourns the loss of a young life cut short, while three other teenagers continue their fight for recovery.
