North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed sadness and shock at the horrific accident that claimed 15 lives and left 28 injured. Premier Modise has described the accident that occurred on the R510 Mogwase-Thabazimbi road at around 2:30 pm as the worst the province has experienced in recent years.
“In condemning speeding, irresponsible and inconsiderate driving that puts the lives of other road user at risk and undermine efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities on public roads, we wish to convey our condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in the crash and wish those injured a speedy recovery,” said Premier Modise.
It is alleged that the driver of an overloaded panel van carrying 14 passengers tried to overtake three vehicles and collided head on with the oncoming bus which was carrying 29 people including the driver.
All the passenger who were in the van, 10 males, two females and three children aged between 8 and 12 and the driver reportedly died instantly while the bus driver and his 28 passengers were taken to Moses Kotane Provincial Hospital near Sun City with minor injuries.
The Premier said that though intensified law enforcement has assisted to reduce road accidents and fatalities, every road users should support the Decade of Action for Road Safety Campaign and accept that road safety is everybody’s business.
“One death on our roads is a death too many. Despite leaving many widowed and orphaned, road accidents put a strain on our health care system, leave behind untold miseries and many crippled,” added Modise.
She said that the provincial government will do everything to ensure that the families who lost their loved ones received the support and assistance towards the burial of their loved ones.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
