Appeal for accident witnesses

CANDICE BRADFIELD

A MOTORCYCLIST involved in a collision with a car on the main road in Bathurst is appealing for any witnesses to come forward after he sustained trauma which led to memory loss.

Bathurst police are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving after the accident, which took place close to the Bathurst Farmer's Market at about 10am on December 9.

According to police spokesman Lieutenant Luvuyo Mjekula, the accident is alleged to have taken place after the driver of the car attempted to make a U-turn towards Port Alfred.

"The motorcycle, travelling towards Grahamstown, allegedly collided with the vehicle. Both the driver of the vehicle, a 52-year-old woman, and a 35-year-old man who was the driver of the motorcycle, were injured in the accident and treated in hospital,” he said.

Vaughan O'Reilly, who was on the motorcycle, has no recollection of the accident. His last memory was of driving past 43 Air School before he woke up in hospital.

He had just visited a friend in Port Alfred and was returning to his parents' home in Trappes Valley when the accident happened. He thinks he may have been overtaking another vehicle when he collided with the driver's door of the car he hit.

His father Brian said an ambulance took Vaughan to hospital. That evening he was sent to Port Elizabeth for scans and on Monday he was allowed to return home. The artery in his neck had been ripped open but he had no broken bones or other serious injuries.

Vaughan and Brian are looking for any witnesses who would be able to provide more details about the accident. Brian can be contacted on 082-453-5592. He would also like to thank everyone who helped on the day.

Investigating officer Constable Jacques Scheepers, can be contacted on (046) 625-0636.