The deafening roar of an engine, the shrill screech of tyres and the terrified cries of helpless onlookers preceded a horror crash in which a minibus taxi collided with a large crowd of students during the early hours of Sunday.
One student was killed and 10 other people were injured, one of whom is on life support.
The accident took place at Nelson Mandela University’s Summerstrand Campus at about 3am, just after the Freshers’ Carnival, a welcoming event for first-year students.
The 24-year-old taxi driver was arrested shortly after the crash, though some angry students reportedly attempted to attack him.
The vehicle he was driving was impounded for further investigation.
The driver, whose name has not yet been released, is expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate’s court on Monday.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said a 22-year-old student was killed.
He is said to have died on his way to Livingstone Hospital.
Beetge said two of the 10 injured students were in critical condition, six were seriously hurt, and two others sustained minor injuries.
He said a case of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, and driving under the influence was being investigated by the Humewood police.
Many students flocked to hospital in the aftermath of the accident to offer their support to the injured.
One eyewitness, who declined to be named, said everything happened very quickly.
“We heard the engine revving and the tyres screeching before the crash,” she said.
“Everyone started screaming. People started running, but the taxi just kept coming, hitting students left and right. It was chaos.
“No-one saw it coming.”
Another eyewitness said: “People were on the ground, some were trying to help, and others were shouting at the driver.
“The police arrived fast, but it was too late for some. It was honestly terrifying.”
University spokesperson Zandile Ngwendu said in a statement that NMU extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
“NMU is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the student and extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and peers of the deceased,” she said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also extended to the other victims of the accident, and we wish them all a speedy recovery.
“Counselling and other psychosocial support mechanisms have been made available for all students and staff affected by this tragedy.
“The alleged perpetrator has been apprehended and is ... in police custody.
“The university will do whatever it can to co-operate with the relevant law enforcement agencies in the investigation towards ensuring that justice is served.
“As the university, especially the affected students and staff, deals with the resultant emotions, we appeal for calm and sensitivity as the police investigation runs its course.”
The DA Students Organisation (Daso) said the deceased had been one of its members.
“Daso has worked closely with hospital officials and government representatives to ensure the best possible care for the injured, and three students have already been discharged,” Daso constituency leader Baxolile Nodada said.
“The organisation is also set to meet local police to demand justice, and the university has vowed to oppose the suspect’s bail application.
“Both the university and Daso have committed to providing support to the families of the victims, including a memorial service for the deceased student, as they cope with this devastating loss.”
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