It is believed that the husband and wife, Rodney (49) and Maria (48) Lakay of Ravensmead, Cape Town, are still under strong sedation at the Knysna Private Hospital. Knysna executive mayor Georlene Wolmarans wanted to visit the couple in hospital on Sunday, September 28, but due to their critical condition, only immediate family were allowed.
According to the Knysna Police a yellow Lamborghini appears to have lost control and collided with a parked Toyota Prado before rebounding and hitting the Mercedes Vito in which the Lakays were reportedly sitting, the side door open and their legs hanging outside the van.
The severity of the impact pushed the Mercedes Vito over an embankment, causing it to roll down into a forested area. One other person also sustained injuries, but it is unsure whether it was the driver of the Lamborghini or his passenger. All three passengers were rushed to the Knysna Private Hospital. A hospital representative declined to give any comment as mandated by a privacy policy. Although no staff dealing with the couple are allowed to speak about the incident, one could sense that even seasoned medical employees have been traumatised by the horrific nature of the incident.
Viewing the couple's public profiles on Facebook is a chilling reminder of how quickly one's life can change. The day before the accident the happy couple posted images of themselves braaiing at a local lodge with a tranquil view over the lagoon in the background. Maria's post on National Heritage day, Wednesday, September 24 reads, "The weather is playing along nicely here at the Knysna Lagoon." On the previous day, she posted photographs of her and her husband enjoying a leisurely stroll in the Knysna Forest. It reads "This is actually my first getaway since my retirement."
It appears that the couple both work for African Stereos in Cape Town, Rodney as a company director and his wife as a project manager. African Stereos' head office declined to comment but confirmed that their managing director, Sean Drake, was in Knysna this week to support the two.
It is clear from their social media profiles that the Lakays are dedicated Christians who love their two sons and extended family and enjoy travelling in South Africa and abroad.
A family member, who preferred anonymity, said, "They are people persons." She asked that the media respect the family's privacy.
"Our family has been hard hit. We are still trying to come to grips with everything that has happened and don't yet know how to deal with it, but we remain faithful."
As the couple are still in the Intensive Care Ward, flowers are not permitted. The Knysna mayor's office delivered a condolence basket and a personal message of sympathy on Tuesday, September 30. "The whole town feels horrible about this tragic accident," said Wolmarans.
According to Knysna municipal manager Lauren Waring the application to host the rally event was made by Go Events and all necessary permits were in place. She said that the event organiser is responsible for the insurance of the event, although the actual road on which the rally took place is a municipal one. Asked why the road was not fixed ahead of the rally as reportedly requested by the organisers, the municipality answers that they were not aware of any such request, nor that there had been any such discussion regarding this during the engagements with the organisers.
"The Knysna municipal Traffic Department assisted with the closing of the road on both sides of the 'track'. Prior to the start of event the Knysna Traffic Department did an inspection to make sure that the road was closed. The event organiser appointed a security company to manage the access points. One municipal officer remained at the starting point to monitor the race. In terms of the bylaw, medical assistance is a requirement."
Rogue Rally spokesperson, Jacques van den Bergh said that although the hillclimb was not a Motorsport South Africa (MSA) event, the Knysna leg was arranged by Knysna Speed Festival who is MSA sanctioned. A case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened against the driver of the Lamborghini.
A Knysna policeman with horror visible etched on his face as he surveys the scene where the Lackays' Mercedes Vito had rolled down the embankment.
ARTICLE: ANOESCHKA VON MECK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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