A tragic car crash in Brackenfell has claimed the lives of four young adults and left two others seriously injured.
Brackenfell accident leaves community in mourning
The group, all believed to be in their twenties, were travelling along Cecil Morgan Drive on Saturday evening when the driver reportedly lost control of the car.
The vehicle veered off the road, slammed into a tree, and burst into flames.
The term “Brackenfell accident” began trending as details of the crash emerged, sparking shock and sadness throughout the local community. The accident took place shortly after 18:00, and emergency teams responded quickly.
Private security company Titanium Securitas was one of the first on the scene.
Their spokesperson, Kobus Kotze, said the fire started right after the vehicle hit the tree. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire & Rescue Service, confirmed that the fire crew arrived at 18:10 and found the car completely engulfed in flames.
Only two people were still inside the burning vehicle when fire services arrived.
Four of the six occupants were declared dead on the scene. The other two were stabilised and transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Victims included local high school learners
Among those who died were two teenagers connected to Fairmont High School.
Millicent Merton, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, confirmed the deaths of Perth Keaden Eksteen, a Grade 12 learner, and Daniel Jansen van Rensburg, a former pupil who had transitioned to homeschooling.
Fairmont High School expressed their condolences online, describing Perth as “full of energy, confidence and spirit,” and Daniel as a passionate rugby player with a quiet determination.
The school, along with the education district, has arranged counselling for learners and staff affected by the tragedy.
Western Cape police confirmed that a culpable homicide case has been opened. This type of case is registered when someone dies due to the actions or negligence of another person, but without the intent to kill.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Brackenfell police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash and have not made any arrests. Officers are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Police are trying to determine what caused the driver to lose control and are looking into whether speed or road conditions played a role.