Weekend accidents leave nine people dead in Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has called on motorists to exercise great care when driving. This comes after three serious crashes that claimed at least the lives of nine people over the weekend.
The first crash occurred in Delmas on Friday, 23 January 2015 where a Mini bus overturned after losing control, while pulling a trailer. It was traveling from Johannesburg towards Nelspruit on the N12 road next to the Bronkospruit Bridge. Two people died instantly and three were seriously injured and
taken to Delmas Hospital.
On Saturday, 24 January 2015 a vehicle lost control and overturned on the R544 road from Emalahleni towards Verena. Four people died on scene while three people were injured and rushed to Witbank Hospital.
Meanwhile, in Standerton on Sunday, 25 January 2015 a Nissan LDV lost control and overturned after hitting an articulated truck killing the driver and two passengers on the spot. All the deceased were occupants of the bakkie.
MEC Shongwe has sent condolences to all the families of those who passed away due to the road crashes. He says that it is very sad to lose lives through road crashes and it is high time that motorists prioritise safety when driving.
He further said that road fatalities should be prevented from becoming the number one cause of death in the province. Shongwe also wished those who were injured a speedy recovery and has also called on motorists to be more vigilant in order to make roads safer.
He has further called on members of the public to assist government to curb road crashes by reporting any bad driving to the authorities. “Let us all raise a hand against loss of lives and injuries on our roads by reporting any person who violate traffic rules to the authorities. Our drivers must also come to the party by being extremely cautious to avoid accidents,” Shongwe said.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
E-mail: emabuza@mpg.gov.za
