Two people, a driver and a passenger, both males and in their twenties, died in two separate car accidents outside Vryburg in the North West province on Friday morning. A VW minibus with eight passengers that was driving from Stella to Kimberley for a music festival overturned on the Stella-Vryburg road, about 12 kilometres outside at 11h45. One passenger died at the scene of the accident after the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle after hitting a dead break while the vehicle was speeding.
The minibus which was driving on the left lane veered across the right hand side lane and rolled several times on the outside gravel, jumped over the fence of the nearby farm before coming to a standstill on its wheels.
The seven injured passengers, four of whom sustained serious injuries, were taken by paramedics to the Vryburg Provincial Hospital.
Earlier at around 7h30, the driver of an Isuzu bakkie, employed at the Vryburg Private Hospital, died after his vehicle veered off the road and rolled several times. Fatigue is suspected to have caused the accident.
Meanwhile, North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa had earlier advised motorists to service their vehicles, do pre-trip inspections before embarking on trips and to stop for a rest every 200 kilometres. MEC Yawa conveys his condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the accidents and wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.
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
2 April 2010
