Brackenfell, South Africa — A tragic accident on Saturday evening has claimed the lives of four individuals, including two Fairmont High School students, Perth Keaden Eksteen and Daniel Jansen van Rensburg, who were seniors at the school. The car crash, which occurred on Cecil Morgan Road in Brackenfell, has left the community in mourning as it grapples with the loss of two young lives.
The incident unfolded when the vehicle, carrying six passengers, collided with a tree at high speed before bursting into flames. Fire crews from the City’s Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene shortly after the accident was reported at 6:00 p.m., and tragically found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. By the time emergency services arrived, four people had already lost their lives, and two others were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
The Victims: Remembering Perth Eksteen and Daniel Jansen van Rensburg
Among the four victims who died were Perth Keaden Eksteen, a Grade 12 student at Fairmont High School, and Daniel Jansen van Rensburg, a former Fairmont student. Perth, who had been a vibrant and well-loved member of the student body, was known for his energy, humor, and infectious personality. Described by his peers and teachers as someone who always left an impact wherever he went, Perth’s loss has deeply affected those who knew him.
Fairmont High School expressed its heartfelt condolences and paid tribute to Perth, describing him as a student whose presence was never overlooked. “Perth was full of energy, confidence, and spirit — never one to go unnoticed. His bold presence, sense of humor, and sharp wit left a lasting impression on both peers and teachers. He brought life into every space he entered and will be deeply missed,” the school said in a statement posted on social media.
Daniel Jansen van Rensburg, a former pupil of Fairmont, had continued to represent the school with pride, particularly on the rugby field. After transitioning to homeschooling, Daniel maintained strong ties with the school and his teammates. The school highlighted his quiet determination and passion for the sport, noting that he was a valued member of the rugby team and a friend to many. “Daniel’s passion for the sport and quiet determination made him a valued teammate and friend,” the statement read.
The Crash: A Devastating Scene
According to Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, the emergency response team arrived at the scene shortly after the accident was reported. “The incident was reported around 6:00 p.m. as a motor vehicle accident with the vehicle on fire,” Carelse said. Upon arrival, firefighters found the car completely ablaze and worked quickly to control the flames. Tragically, by the time they managed to reach the vehicle, four of the occupants had already died. The two survivors, who were injured in the crash, were transported to medical facilities for treatment.
The identity of the remaining victims has not been publicly released, but the focus remains on supporting the families and the community as they navigate this difficult and tragic loss. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED), through spokesperson Millicent Merton, confirmed that two of the deceased were Grade 12 learners from Fairmont High School, Perth Eksteen and Daniel Jansen van Rensburg. Merton extended the department’s deepest condolences to the families, friends, and classmates of the victims, as the community begins to process the shocking loss.
An Investigation Underway: Culpable Homicide Charges
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that Brackenfell police have opened a culpable homicide investigation into the incident. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” Twigg stated. He also emphasized that no arrests have been made yet, as the police continue to gather information and assess the details of the crash.
The collision occurred in an area known for both residential homes and commercial buildings, which raises questions about the speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the time of the accident. Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed any specific factors that may have contributed to the crash, such as weather conditions, road conditions, or the possible involvement of alcohol or other substances. As of now, the police have stated that they are gathering witness statements, reviewing traffic cameras, and looking at all possible angles to understand the cause of the crash.
Community Reaction: A Shocking Loss for Fairmont High School and Beyond
The tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the Brackenfell community, especially within the student body at Fairmont High School. Counseling services have been made available to both students and staff as they process the loss of two beloved individuals. The Western Cape Education Department and the school’s administration have emphasized the importance of providing emotional support during this difficult time.
“We understand that this tragedy will deeply impact both the school community and the wider Brackenfell area,” said Merton. “We will continue to offer counseling support to all those affected and work closely with families, staff, and students as we process this devastating event together.”
The loss of two promising young lives has drawn an outpouring of grief from classmates, teachers, friends, and the wider community. Many have expressed disbelief and sorrow, as the two students were known for their vibrant personalities and bright futures. Online tributes to both Perth and Daniel have flooded social media, with friends and teammates sharing heartfelt messages in their honor.
Fairmont High School has also arranged for memorial services to be held for the victims, allowing the school community to come together and celebrate the lives of Perth Eksteen and Daniel Jansen van Rensburg. These services will offer an opportunity for both current students and alumni to pay their respects and remember the two young men whose lives were tragically cut short.
Impact on the Families and Friends of the Victims
The parents and families of the victims have expressed their heartbreak and devastation in the wake of the crash. While the full details of the surviving family members have not been released, the grief of losing a child or sibling in such a sudden and violent manner is unimaginable. Local church groups, community organizations, and even strangers have reached out to offer support, both emotional and practical, to help the families of the deceased navigate this tragic period.
Jermaine Carelse from the City’s Fire and Rescue Service emphasized that the department, along with law enforcement, would continue to provide assistance to the families of the victims. The tragedy has left a deep void, and as the community processes the emotional impact of the loss, these kinds of supports are crucial to help everyone affected find the strength to heal.
Calls for Road Safety and Prevention
In the aftermath of the accident, there have been renewed calls for improved road safety measures in Brackenfell and surrounding areas. Local residents have voiced concerns about the speeding and reckless driving that has been a common issue on local roads, and some have suggested that more robust traffic monitoring or additional speed bumps could help prevent such incidents in the future.
Community members have also called on the government to place greater emphasis on road safety, particularly in residential areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near schools and shopping centers. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more conversations will emerge about the need for improved road safety measures and how the community can work together to prevent further tragic accidents.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Healing
As the investigation into the circumstances of the crash continues, the focus remains on providing support to the victims’ families, the Fairmont High School community, and the wider Brackenfell area. Though the full details of the incident remain unclear, it is evident that the emotional toll of this tragedy will be felt for a long time.
The memories of Perth Eksteen and Daniel Jansen van Rensburg will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. As the school community, friends, and families come together to mourn and heal, it’s clear that these two young men will not be forgotten.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation progresses.