Five people, three males, a female and a four year old child died while 21 others sustained serious injuries in a head on collision involving a bakkie and taxi on the N4 at Ottoshoop between Mafikeng and Zeerust on Thursday afternoon.
It is alleged that the driver of the Isuzu bakkie who was driving from Mafikeng towards Zeerust control of his vehicle on a curve and collided head on with the Mercedes Benz Sprinter. The taxi was from Rustenburg to Mafikeng.
Traffic officers, police and paramedics had to use “the jaws of life” to free the injured people who were trapped in both vehicles. The driver of the taxi also died at the scene of the accident while the driver of the Isuzu bakkie died after unsuccessful resuscitation at Mafikeng Provincial Hospital.
The injured passengers, nine of whom sustained serious injuries, 12 light injuries were rushed by paramedics to Mafikeng Provincial Hospital. Police are investigating cases of culpable homicide and reckless driving.
Meanwhile, North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the accident and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. Yawa appeals to drivers to adhere to speed limits and to rest before taking to the road as speed and fatigue contributes to unacceptable rate of fatalities on public roads.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Safety, North West Provincial Government
24 December 2009
