N2 death toll rises to 5: Family of 4 killed in crash, beloved Eljada resident among deceased

Breaking News Update

HEIDELBERG NEWS - The police have now confirmed that it was a family of four in the SUV that had been involved in the N2 collision on 7 July, and that they have all died.

This brings the total death toll of this head-on collision just outside Heidelberg to five.

Heidelberg Police Station’s spokesperson, Sergeant Keeno Fredericks, said the mother (44) and father (42) were declared dead on the scene, and their two sons (13 and 20) were rushed to hospital. The 13-year-old died later that same day and the 20-year-old this morning.

The police have not released their identities.

Meanwhile, a passenger who had been travelling on the 22/25-seater bus, who was declared dead on the scene, has since been identified as Michele Lombard (34).

Lombard had been a resident of the Oudtshoorn-based Eljada Aftercare Centre, a facility that cares for adults with intellectual disabilities, for the past 15 years. She had been on her way to spend the school holidays with her family when the accident occurred.

Gerda Swart, manager of Eljada, said Lombard was much more than just a resident. “Michele was a valued friend, teammate and beloved member of the Eljada family. With her spontaneous nature, creativity, caring heart and willingness to always lend a hand, she made a lasting impression on everyone. She never hesitated to step in wherever help was needed and was exceptionally dependable,” she said.

Fredericks said that the circumstances surrounding the accident are still being investigated.

Michele Lombard had been travelling in the minibus at the time of the crash. She was declared dead on the scene. Photo: Supplied