By: Ofentse Seanego
As South Africans get ready to celebrate the festive season, the national roads have claimed numerous lives following horrific accidents.
At least 14 people were killed in an accident in the Free State with another seven killed in Mpumalanga.
According to the department of transport, 14 people lost their lives while three others sustained serious injuries and one sustained minor injuries in an accident that occurred between Reitz and Petrus Steyn in the Free State.
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The department said a Quantum kombi was overtaking another vehicle, resulting in a head-on collision with a Crafter kombi.
Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula said he was deeply saddened by this tragic crash and has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
Mbalula also conveyed wishes for speedy recovery to those who suffered injuries and are recuperating in hospital.
“Loss of life on our roads is a tragedy we must all work towards curtailing. It is only through collective effort that includes responsible behaviour by motorists, effective law enforcement, and innovative engineering solutions in road design by the government, that we will arrest the carnage on our roads and reverse the tide. The festive season is characterized by increased traffic as holidaymakers make their way home or to places of leisure and irresponsible behaviour that includes drunk driving. We must all be vigilant and obey the rules of the road at all times,” said Mbalula.
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The R573 Road between Kwaggafontein and Moteti in Mpumalanga had to be closed following an accident that claimed seven lives on Saturday morning.
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said the people died when a light Delivery Vehicle (LDV) overturned.
“Twenty more people sustained serious injuries and they are currently receiving treatment at nearby KwaMhlanga and Philadelphia hospitals respectively. The deceased are all males and they were passengers. The seriously injured people include the driver,” Mmusi said.
It is believed that the driver of the vehicle may have lost control and the vehicle veered off the road before crashing on the side.
MEC Vusi Shongwe expressed sadness at the crashes that continue to leave many families devastated.
