Mpumalanga crashes claim 7 lives
On Tuesday evening, four people were killed in a horrific head-on collision on the R38 between Kaapmuiden and Louws Creek.
According to reports, a sedan collided head-on with a light delivery vehicle (LDV) before veering into the path of an oncoming truck.
The impact killed the sedan's driver and three passengers instantly.
"Shockingly, the occupants of the LDV were not found at the scene, and authorities are investigating whether they fled before emergency responders arrived", said Mpumalanga Community Safety spokesperson Moet Mmusi.
"While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, officials have not ruled out reckless or negligent driving."
In a separate incident on Tuesday afternoon, three people died in a fiery crash on the R23 between Val and Balfour at around 12:30 PM.
The collision that involved an LDV and a sedan resulted in both vehicles catching fire.
The victims — a female driver from the sedan and two male occupants of the LDV — were burnt beyond recognition.
Emergency services responded to the scene and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Mmusi has urged all drivers to exercise extreme caution, particularly on regional routes prone to head-on collisions.
"These latest incidents bring fresh attention to the alarming frequency of deadly crashes on Mpumalanga roads."
The Mpumalanga Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Community Safety, Jackie Macie, expressed his condolences to the affected families and reiterated the need for road safety, particularly during nighttime driving.
"While government is implementing various measures to improve road safety, the ultimate responsibility lies with motorists. Many of these crashes can be avoided through caution, alertness, and strict adherence to road rules."
ALSO READ
