Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe is deeply saddened following the loss of eight lives in three separate accidents that happened over the last twenty four hours.
Four people died in an accident on R23-2 Road between Standerton and Balfour around 04h30 on Saturday, 14 September 2013. The accident happened when a Toyota Quantum mini-bus and a Toyota Etios sedan collided head on. All four deceased including the driver were from the sedan.
Twelve seriously injured passengers, who include 11 passengers from a mini-bus and one person from a sedan, were rushed to Standerton Hospital. It is believed that the accident happened when one of the vehicles was attempting to overtake another vehicle.
Three more people lost their lives on R40 road between Nelspruit and Barberton when a Colt Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV) crashed into a side of a Volkswagen Golf sedan. Five seriously injured people, three of whom were in the sedan while another two were in the LDV, were rushed to Barberton Hospital. The accident happened around 17h00 today.
Another live was lost when a sedan driver reportedly lost control of his vehicle and overturned between Nelspruit and White River on R40 road. The seriously injured passenger was rushed to a nearby hospital. The police are investigating all three accidents.
Shongwe has called on drivers to exercise due diligence as most of the accidents are attributable to human error. He has meanwhile called on the law enforcement agencies to show no mercy to those who drive recklessly and are showing no regard to traffic rules and regulations.
“We need to bring an end to loss of lives and injuries on our roads, let us all assist government in order to bring an end to these accidents,” said Shongwe. “Whilst we are calling on motorists to exercise vigilance when driving, our communities should also play their role by reporting any bad driving to authorities,” concluded Shongwe.
He has meanwhile sent condolences to the bereaved families and wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
