KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has called on all road users, including pedestrians to be extra vigilant following the loss of more than 10 people in separate accidents in the province's roads.
In a gruesome accident that occurred on Saturday afternoon 21 December 2013, eight people including two minors, lost their lives when a truck and Toyota double cab bakkie collided head-on on the R103, Peacetown near Harrismith.
All eight who died were occupants in the bakkie. Two other passengers escaped with minor injuries and were receiving medical attention at the Ladysmith provincial hospital. Forensic experts have been dispatched to investigate the cause of this accident.
In a separate incident that also occurred on Saturday, a pedestrian was knocked down by a vehicle in a hit-and-run on the N2 near Doonside on the South Coast. The police are still investigating as the suspect is still on the run.
In an incident that occurred today, 22 December 2013 on the R617 near Mpophomeni turn-off, in Howick, the driver of a Corsa bakkie lost control of the vehicle, hitting the crash barriers and went into the river, leaving two people dead and four in a critical state. The four survivors were taken to Edendale hospital in Pietermaritzburg to receive medical attention.
In another separate incident that occurred today on the N2 near Sibaya turn-off, a minibus taxi overturned when the driver lost control hitting the crush barriers, leaving the driver dead on scene. Preliminary reports have shown that the driver did not have his seatbelt fastened as he was flung out of the vehicle when it overturned. Two of the passengers escaped with minor injuries and are receiving medical attention at Umhlali hospital.
MEC Mchunu expressed shock upon hearing of these accidents.
“It is rather disturbing to learn of so much loss of lives due to accidents that could have been avoided. We continuously appeal to people to abide by the rules of the road and exercise patience on the roads during this busy season.
We appeal to people to be vigilant at all times by adhering to regulated speed limits, putting on safety belts, not overtaking when it is not safe to do so and resting every two hours when travelling long distances.
We also appeal to pedestrians not to jay-walk as it is unsafe to do so and to wear bright clothes in night time. On behalf of the government, I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives on our roads over the weekend and wish those in hospital a speedy recovery,” said Mchunu.
Media contacts:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 or 079 699 5755
E-mail: Kwanele.ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za
Nathi Sukazi
Cell: 081 018 0518 or 082 565 0205
E-mail: Nathi.Sukazi@kzntransport.gov.za
Twitter: @KZNTransport
