The mother of an Elsies River High girl who died in a freak accident after attending a school event, says she can’t forget the nightmarish scene and screams of bloody passengers as she went to go find her daughter.
Waydene Priga, 17, from Elsies River was the only one who died in the accident.
The children had attended the annual High School Jam at Grand West on Saturday where Elsies High won the grand title, pocketing R50 000.
Waydene and 13 others were on their way home in the white Quantum when it crashed into a wall of the Old Apostolic Church on 35th Avenue in Clarke Estate.
According to the school’s Facebook page, the pupils were out celebrating after the event.
Waydene’s heartbroken mother, Helene Baadtjies, 50, says the accident happened about 6:30am on Sunday close to her house in Eureka Estate.
“I woke up as usual and washed my hair and started preparing the Sunday lunch,” says the mother, who also has two sons.
“My front door stood open, but I didn’t hear the loud bang everyone else in my street heard.
“I just saw everyone screaming and running towards the scene.”
Helena says her worst nightmare came true when people came to her shouting, “bring ’n kombers, Waydene verstik aan haar bloed” [bring a blanket, Waydene is choking on her blood].
Quantum crashed into church wall. Picture: supplied
“These words keep ringing in my head. My only baby girl lay there with blood streaming from her nose, ears and mouth and tried to speak, but she couldn’t,” the mother cries.
Helena says Waydene was a good child and only went out once a month and attended the High School Jam every year.
“Waydene was disciplined that way,” the mother says.
“She left the house at 11am on Saturday for the competition, she was only a spectator.
“I said, ‘pas jou net op’. She greeted with a smile and said ‘bye, mommy’.”
Waydene, who was in Grade 11, played netball and rugby for her school.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said counselling is being provided to the school community.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and school community during this time. What was to be a morning of celebration at the school is now mourning of loss and sadness.”
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, said a case of culpable homicide is under investigation.
“According to information, police found a Toyota Quantum overturned in a yard of a church.
“The driver of the taxi is unknown. The investigation is ongoing.”