NGODWANA – The identities of the six people who have died in a head-on collision on the N4 on Monday cannot be made public yet, as all their families have not been notified.
According to the police, the deceased were from Mozambique and for that reason they had been struggling to track the families down and inform them of the death of their loved ones.
The incident occurred between Ndogwana and Elandshoek when the single-cab Toyota bakkie in which the six were travelling, collided with an oncoming truck. Police said the driver of the truck, travelling in Nelspruit’s direction, said the bakkie crossed over into its lane. It swerved to the right in an attempt to avert a collision, but the Toyota allegedly also veered back into its lane and they crashed into each other.
None of the three people travelling in the truck were harmed. However, the two women in the bakkie’s cab, as well as the four men, three of whom were definitely on the back of the Toyota at the time of the accident, died.
The women were still found in the vehicle, which was ripped to pieces and squashed, while the bodies of the men were strewn around the scene. The entire section of the road was closed to traffic, with other travellers advised to take the Schoemanskloof Road instead. The road was opened against at about 17:30.
The MEC for community safety has called for an urgent investigation from police following the collision. Mr Vusi Shongwe also called for increased vigilance from motorists, warning drivers about the dangers of negligence and not obeying the rules of the roads.
He said it was very sad that road carnage was predominantly affecting the lives of innocent people. “It is about time that drivers prioritise road safety, especially when carrying people.”
The MEC said by punishing reckless drivers, the government would be sending a strong message to reckless motorists, which would assist it in making the roads safer.
He also sent his condolences to the bereaved families. “Our thoughts are with the families in these difficult times.” The matter is being investigated by police.
