This car mechanic’s life was abruptly cut short when his Ford Escort crashed into a Golden Arrow bus.
Witnesses say the car ended up under the bus, which drove off with its roof before coming to a stop further down the road.
Tafelsig engineer Yassiem Petersen, 22, was on his way to Groote Schuur Hospital with a friend and his mother, Karriema Petersen.
The tragic accident occurred when he turned back home because he had forgotten his wallet.
A witness claim the bus driver was at fault when he approached an intersection without traffic lights.
Ricardo Williams says the Golden Arrow bus “sped” from Bokkeveld Avenue over AZ Berman Drive, and wanted to head into Orangekloof Avenue.
But it came to a screeching halt when the bus driver saw the oncoming traffic in AZ Berman Drive, blocking one lane in each direction.
“ Die bus het met ‘n spoed aangekom, toe wil hy nie stop nie in Bokkeveld nie. That’s why he ended up in the middle of the intersection. Toe kom daai ander kar en ry onder die bus in,” explains Ricardo.
Yassiem’s car ploughed into the back of the bus and the bus driver drove off with the car’s roof top stuck in its side.
His mom and friend were not injured in the accident.
His heartbroken aunt Muneera Fielies says Yassiem graduated from False Bay college, and started his apprenticeship at Steenberg Motors in Retreat earlier this year.
She says Yassiem was the eldest of six children, and was a petrolkop who loved his Ford.
“He often went to drag racing with his grandfather when he was off,” she says.
He was also the family mechanic, she says with a sad smile.
“Within a minute he would know what the problem was,” says Muneera.
She adds: “God doesn’t have a time or a age. If it’s your time to go, you must go. I still can’t believe he is not with us anymore.
“We are all going to miss him very much.”
Police Spoken Constable Noloyiso Rwexana confirms the incident.
“I confirm that an accident occurred in AZ Berman Drive, 18.30 last night, where a 22-year-old male was fatally injured”, she said.
Golden Arrow spokesperson John Dammert says they are aware of the incident and an investigation is underway.
“After the accident, the Bus Driver proceeded straight to the police station to report the incident. As per company policy, the driver has been suspended pending further investigations.”