A motorist was killed with his passenger in an alleged drag race outside Pretoria when he apparently lost control of his vehicle early on Thursday.
The man, driving a white Opel Corsa bakkie, was allegedly racing against three cars along Rachel de Beer Street in Pretoria North when his vehicle crashed into an electricity pole and a tree. It is believed the bakkie went out of control on a bend.
Police said officers who had stopped at a petrol station spotted four vehicles racing past.
Pretoria North police station spokesman Constable Maanda Singo said just after the vehicles – a Honda Ballade, an Opel Corsa car, a third car and the bakkie – raced past, the policemen heard a loud bang.
“When the officers arrived at the scene the drivers of the other cars raced off,” he said.
Singo said it appeared the driver of the bakkie had lost control of his vehicle and crashed into an electricity pole and a tree.
“By the time paramedics arrived at the scene the men… were already dead.”
The bodies of the driver and his passenger, also a man, had to be cut free with the Jaws of Life.
“At this moment the identities of the men are unknown and police are searching for the drivers of the other vehicles,” Singo said.
“Depending on the investigation, the other drivers could be charged with reckless and negligent driving and for fleeing the scene of an accident.”
Netcare 911 spokesman Jeff Wicks said the two men died of multiple injuries.
Singo said police were investigating if the pair had been taking part in a race.
Tshwane Metro Police spokes-man Console Tleane said the area was not known to be a problem with drag racing.
“We are monitoring this area to ensure that it does not become a problem in terms of drag racing.”
Anyone wishing to report incidents of drag racing may contact the Tshwane Metro Police Department at 012 358 7095/6. - Pretoria News