A male passenger who was critically injured in the head-on collision that occurred on the N4 Bakwena Platinum Highway outside Rustenburg has died on arrival at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital. His death brings to three the number of fatalities from the horrific road accident that occurred on the Rustenburg –Swartruggens road in the North West province on Friday night.
In extending condolences to the family of the passenger who was in his 40’s and wishing the three road users who survived the accident a speedy recovery, North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liason, Desbo Mohono cautioned motorists against speeding and unlawful overtaking which accounts for most fatalities on public roads.
The accident reportedly occurred at around 7:00pm, about 15 kilometers on the Rustenburg-Swartuggens road. A Toyota Corolla that was heading towards Swartruggens with four occupants allegedly overtook in the face of oncoming traffic on a decline and crashed into a Renault Megane that was driving towards Rustenburg.
The 53 year old driver of the Toyota and a 36 year-old woman passenger died on impact while the female driver of the Renault Megane who is in her 40’s sustained serious injuries. She was alone in her vehicle.
The male passenger who died in hospital was among the three passengers from the Toyota Corolla who were seriously injured and rushed by paramedics to hospital. A male in his 40’s and a woman in her 30’s are still in the high care unit in hospital.
The road was closed as rescue teams stabilised the injured passengers at the scene, police and independent accidents scene experts gathered evidence to reconstruct the scene with the help of provincial road traffic management officers. The vehicle wreakages and debris were finally cleared and the road reopened around midnight.
MEC Mohono confirmed that police are investigating cases of culpable homicide and or reckless driving.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0420
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
