PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - "I thank God that they are alive." These were the words of the mother of Plettenberg Bay crime fighter Otto Olivier who, with Plett Security supervisor and K9 Blackie, were involved in a horror head-on collision on Odlands Drive on Friday just after midnight.
The trio was out helping community members when their vehicle collided with another vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road.
According to dash cam footage Olivier, who was driving a Toyota Fortuner, was driving up Odlands Drive towards the town centre in the left-hand lane when another vehicle came around a corner in Olivier's lane. There was no time to respond and the two vehicles collided.
"At 33 minutes after midnight my husband Etienne received a call from Otto saying, 'Daddy, I've been in an accident on Odlands Drive, please help me'," said Olivier's mother, Ina.
She said while receiving such a call was a living nightmare, the Plettenberg Bay community shone brightly and came to their aid within minutes.
Blackie escaped the accident unscathed, but Otto and his passenger suffered severe injuries and were transported to hospital.
Otto's mother said that he sustained heart and lung injuries in the impact, as well as severe damage to his face, including his eye, which required surgery. His passenger suffered severe damage to one arm and broke both of his feet. He too requires surgery, which is expected to be done soon.
According to reports the driver of the other vehicle disappeared from the scene after the accident. He was later found and also taken to hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.
Ina said that Otto does not remember much after the incident.
"It has however been so amazing how the Plett community came out to help, whether it was physically or through messages of support and prayers."
Otto is the operations head of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA).
"We are usually on the giving side, but it was such a blessing to be on the receiving side of those volunteers who give so much to help the Plett community," Ina said. "The PBCPA is such a well-oiled machine. One call and so many emergency spheres respond."
Following surgery on his eye earlier this week, Otto said he was humbled by the vast support, messages and phone calls received. "To our family, friends and community, a heartfelt special thank you for reaching out to our families and support given to them."
Plettenberg Bay police spokesperson Marlene Pieterse confirmed the incident and said police were investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.
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