Tebogo Msimanga |
Five people died on Friday morning on the N4 toll road near Schoemansdal towards Mbombela around 11h00. The crash happened when a truck and a minibus taxi were involved in a sideswipe collision. The truck then went on to collide head-on with a light delivery vehicle (LDV) that was travelling in the opposite direction.
A Spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety Moeti Mmusi said four of the deceased were occupants in the minibus and they include three passengers and both drivers of the minibus and the LDV.
“Three of the deceased are believed to be tourists from the Netherlands. The victims died at the crash scene. Three people, two of whom were in the taxi were seriously injured.”
Mmusi said the driver of the truck is among those who were seriously injured. “One person escaped with slight injuries.”
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety Vusi Shongwe, has expressed concern over the frequency of deadly road crashes in the province. “We must all play our part in curbing these crashes. Our roads must not be turned into killing fields by reckless drivers. Motorists should respect the rules of the road and exercise required diligence when they are behind the steering wheel”.
MEC Shongwe is urging motorists to be vigilant on the road to avoid needless and avoidable tragedies such as this one.
He sent heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
