Motorists and pedestrians at the intersection of Allen Street and Murchison Street, Newcastle, were met with a collision on Sunday afternoon when a VW Golf allegedly travelled at speed down Allen Street, mounted the pavement, and crashed into a corner business. The impact caused visible structural damage and led to traffic congestion in the surrounding area as emergency and traffic officials responded to the scene.
The incident occurred at approximately 4 pm on Sunday, 22 February 2026, when a taxi was travelling from the direction of Taxi City towards the central business district (CBD), carrying passengers returning from church.
Speaking with Newcastillian News, the taxi driver stated that he had already entered the intersection when he observed the VW approaching from the opposite direction at speed. As the vehicle drew closer, it became apparent that the VW driver would not be able to stop in time to avoid the traffic already moving through the intersection.
In response, the VW driver allegedly applied the brakes and veered onto the pavement in an apparent attempt to avoid colliding with other vehicles. However, after mounting the sidewalk, the VW driver then attempted to steer away from the pavement in an effort to regain control.
As this unfolded and upon noticing another vehicle nearby, the VW driver was unable to avoid further impact, and consequently the VW crashed into the nearby store, where it eventually came to a stop.
At the same time, an official source at the scene explained that while the VW was swerving to avoid traffic and moving onto the pavement, it struck the taxi, and as a result, the force of the impact propelled the taxi forward, sending the vehicle towards the building where the VW came to a standstill. Another vehicle turning into Allen Street was also struck by the taxi as it came to a stand still.
Nevertheless, the quick-thinking actions of another motorist helped prevent further harm.
“Before the taxi could hit the sidewalk, the driver of the Ford bakkie slammed brakes in front of the taxi, allowing the passenger vehicle to hit it, instead of the building, resulting in only one reported injury.”
Following the collision, officials remained on scene clearing debris and conducting preliminary investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Traffic remained congested in the area as authorities worked to manage vehicle flow and restore normal conditions.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation to establish the full sequence of events leading up to the collision, including the speed and actions of the VW driver prior to the crash.
Furthermore, officials will assess the extent of the structural damage to the affected business, while also reviewing any available witness accounts and physical evidence at the scene. As the investigation progresses, officials continue to urge motorists to exercise caution when travelling through busy intersections and to obey road laws.
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