Callie to undergo surgery
2008-02-09 10:12
Johannesburg - Actress Ashley Callie will undergo surgery on Saturday after being involved in a car accident on Friday in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, 702 is reporting.
The local South African actress, known for her portrayal as Lee Haynes in local production Isidingo, was taken to hospital after the severe car accident on Friday night.
She is in a stable, but critical condition.
Co-ordinating producer for the award-winning soapie, Steven Raymond told 702 Callie needed the operation to alleviate pressure building up on her brain.
He described Callie as a fighter and said he is confident she will pull through.
Johannesburg Metro police spokesperson
Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said Callie was driving alone in a Smart Car, when there was a head-on collision with a red Renault.
"We are not sure about what the exact cause of the accident was, but
police are investigating."
Minnaar said the driver of the Renault, a male, and two female
passengers were also seriously injured and then transported to Milpark
hospital.
Critical condition
Earlier, Netcare911 spokesperson Mark Stokoe said that they were not allowed to reveal the names of those involved in the accident, but did confirm " that a local actress, who stars in a local daily TV series" was among the injured.
"Two motor vehicles were involved in a head on collision in Emmarentia at about 22:30 on Friday night," said Stokoe, "a total of six people were injured in the collision, which saw one of the vehicles overturned".
"Metro police officers were on scene to investigate the cause if of the accident and members of the Johannesburg emergency services assisted in the extrication of the injured," said Stokoe.
Bright SA star
According to the Isidingo website, Ashley Callie studied a BA Dramatic Art degree with Honours at Wits University.
She then spent some time in London and worked as a chef. Since returning to South Africa, she has opened her own restaurant, the La Vista Social Club, in Mellville, Johannesburg.
In 2006, she was awarded the South African Film & Television Best Actress award for her work as the no-nonsense daughter of the conniving Barker Haynes in Isidingo.
Earlier this year, Isidingo actors were told to stay at home due to contractual problems between the show's producers and the SABC that put production on hold.