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Seven people have died and another seven sustained minor to serious injuries after a collision involving a Toyota Quantum and Mercedes Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) on the R707 near Marquard in the Eastern Free State on Friday. It is alleged that the Mercedes truck was parked on the R707 facing in the direction of Marquard with its rear wheel on the yellow lane. “The Toyota Quantum taxi was travelling in the same direction. It is assumed that the taxi rear-ended the stationary truck and burst (Taxi) into flames.”
Seven people – six adults (including the male taxi driver) and a toddler – were burned beyond recognition whilst the injured managed to get out of the burning Taxi. “Another person was seriously injured and taken to the Senekal Hospital. Passengers with lesser injuries were treated and discharged.”
The MEC for Police, Roads and Transport (PRT) in the Free State, William Bulwane, has conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and reiterated that road users must be extra vigilant over the Festive Season and take personal responsibility for their conduct on the road.
The police opened a homicide case.
