The matters presented below are selected examples of significant engagements undertaken from 2000 to date. They are provided to illustrate the scope, complexity, and technical range of our work across fatal collisions, multi-vehicle pile-ups, heavy commercial vehicle incidents, post-collision fires, and rail-related events. This section is not intended as commentary on outcomes or merits, but as a structured overview of the types of instructions we receive and the forensic processes we apply.
Each category contains a limited number of anonymised case summaries arranged chronologically. Every case entry includes:
A location map and contextual scene image for geographic and situational reference;
The recorded date, time, and location;
A concise synopsis of the collision dynamics and key features;
Core factual parameters (vehicles involved, classifications, casualty figures, and relevant physical elements); and
A summary of the services rendered, including scene examination, vehicle inspections, data acquisition, reconstruction methodology, reporting, and testimony where applicable.
The objective is to provide prospective clients, legal teams, insurers, and industry stakeholders with a clear, visual understanding of the environments in which we operate and the forensic, technical, and analytical disciplines routinely applied in our engagements.
We have been doing Pedestrian-, Animal-, Cyclist-, Motorcycle-, and Suicide Crashes since 2000, but their very nature is such that we cannot display them due to the graphic content that invariably feature.
February 2002 - 5-Vehicle Pile-up
Synopsis: A total of five vehicles were involved in a pile-up on the N2 National Road in Sudwell, Port Elizabeth. This was one of our very first multi-vehicle collisions. It involved the 5 vehicles and no fatalities, but this was one of the cases that set the stage for later investigation protocols, such as the Rapid-Fire procedure we still use today.
Techniques Used: Basic Film Photography and laser total station scene measurements.
Task: We produced a scale scene drawing, and our efforts went towards insurance claim management for the involved parties. This was the last time we used a film camera for evidence collection.
February 2002 - 5-Vehicle Pile-up
Synopsis: This was one of our very first multi-vehicle collisions. It involved 4 vehicles and no fatalities, but this was one of the cases that set the stage for later investigation protocols, such as the Rapid-Fire procedure we still use today.
Techniques Used: Basic Film Photography and laser total station scene measurements.
Task: We produced a scale scene drawing, and our efforts went towards insurance claim management for the involved parties. This was the last time we used a film camera for evidence collection.
March 2002 - 4 Fatalities
Synopsis: On the N2 National Road, outside Port Elizabeth, South Africa, an Audi A4 ran into the back of a slow-moving VW Golf.
The two got engaged and skidded, as a combined unit, for a total distance of over 80 meters (about 260 feet) before colliding with the guardrail and skidding an additional 32m to stand-still (about 100 feet). In this collision, the Audi completely penetrated into the rear cab area of the VW, and the adults were all fatally injured.
In between the rear-seated adults, there was one 4-year-old little girls that was injured but survived. She was cushioned by the adults around her.
The Left-front Occupant of the Golf was ejected, thrown over the guardrail, down an empbankment and through a barbed-wire fence. He survived, as well.
Techniques Used: At-scene Photography, Vehicle Mechanical Inspection, and Laser Total Station Measurements.
Task: We reconstructed the collision, completed a speed analysis, and produced a report for use in the criminal matter.
July 2002 - Chemical Semi Roll-over with Spill
Synopsis: At the exit of the Port Elizabeth Harbour, a Semi-Truck transporting oil products overturned, resulting in a chemical spill.
Techniques Used: At-scene and post-event Photography, Scene Measurements, and Recovery Documentation.
Task: We were directly engaged by the Transporter to conduct an at-scene investigation, reconstruction, and analysis for the purpose of determining cause, identifying root causes, and proposing protocol to avoid future incdents.
February 2002 - 5-Vehicle Pile-up
Synopsis: This was one of our very first multi-vehicle collisions. It involved 4 vehicles and no fatalities, but this was one of the cases that set the stage for later investigation protocols, such as the Rapid-Fire procedure we still use today.
Techniques Used: Basic Film Photography and laser total station scene measurements.
Task: We produced a scale scene drawing, and our efforts went towards insurance claim management for the involved parties. This was the last time we used a film camera for evidence collection.
June 2002 - Train vs Vehicle
Synopsis: At the entrance of the Port Elizabeth Harbour, a Mechanical Rail Car Failure caused one set of train carriages to roll free, resulting in a collision with a light motor vehicle. This was our first-ever investigation involving any kind of rail equipment.
Techniques Used: Basic Film Photography, Vehicle Examinations, Mechanical Failure Verification, and at-scene measurements.
Task: We produced an at-scene investigation report for the purpose of preventing fraudulent claims from the Road Accident Fund of South Africa.
