Cape Town - She would have been preparing for her last matric exams paper set to be written on Wednesday, but a walk to the shop ended in tragedy for Megan Smith.
Instead of planning to celebrate, Megan’s family is now planning her funeral.
The Grade 12 Scottsdene High pupil was killed on Sunday when she was knocked down by a train.
School principal Karel Cupido said Megan was walking to the shop with two friends when tragedy struck. He said they were walking on a train bridge near Meerlust farm, where Megan lives, when the train struck her.
“It happens that they misjudged the speed of the train, because the train didn’t warn them by hooting. Two of the children that were with her managed to pass the bridge and the other one jumped off the bridge.
“It’s a railway bridge and there is no place for pedestrians.”
Cupido said Megan would have finished her exams on Wednesday, but her sudden death has left her peers “really hurt”.
“The Department of Education really helped us this morning.
“They supported us by having a memorial service at the little church across from the school and the school psychologist was there.
“One of the boys that was with her is a past pupil.”
He said he had visited Megan’s family on Sunday and they were planning for the funeral to be held on Saturday.
“The father was still in denial and can’t get to grips with what happened. The mother was more outspoken because everyone deals with emotions differently.
“We are looking to go to the funeral at Bottelary Primary where some of the learners will have a couple of items.”
Jessica Shelver, spokeswoman for Western Cape MEC of Education Debbie Schäfer, extended condolences to Megan’s family and friends.
She added that the school had organised a memorial service and counselling had been made available to the pupils and teachers at the school.
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident happened just after 3.30pm on Sunday at Faure Road, near the Faure station.
“An inquest was opened and the investigation continues.”
Cape Argus
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