SABIE – A horrendous accident occurred on the R37 near the Montrose turn-off on Saturday at about 16:30.
Three adults and a child lost their lives when the driver of the vehicle lost control and crashed into a tree.
The only survivor, a child who sustained minor injuries, was currently being treated at Rob Ferreira Hospital. The other child died early on Monday morning, according to Mr Moeti Mmusi, spokesman for community safety, security and liaison.
According to Mmusi, the vehicle was travelling from Lydenburg en route to Mbombela when the driver lost control. The vehicle overturned and crashed into a tree in a Komatiland plantation. The driver and front passenger were killed on impact, while the other two occupants were flung from the vehicle.
A woman, who was seated at the back with the two children, was still alive when emergency services arrived at the scene, but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.
Mmusi could not establish whether the occupants were related as the accident was still under SAPS investigation.
According to
Mr Jacques Linington of JDA Towing and Panelbeaters, the emergency services arrived shortly after receiving the call. “The guys from ER 24 did a fantastic job to free the victims from the wreck. It was one of the ugliest accidents that I have witnessed during my time. The woman was still alive, but unfortunately they could not save her life. It is very sad that one accident ended lives this quickly.”
ER24, Mpumalanga Emergency Services (EMS), Mbombela Fire and Rescue and Thaba Cwheu Fire and Rescue team were summoned to the scene.
A firefighter of Thaba Chweu Fire and Rescue Services, who wanted to remain anonymous, mentioned that the back-seat passengers were still trapped in the vehicle when they arrived.
“We had to use the Jaws of Life to free them. One child was also airlifted to Rob Ferreira Hospital.”
He also emphasised the importance of safe driving and sticking to the speed limit on this dangerous road.
“Drivers must be aware of sharp turns in the road, especially in the Long Tom Pass. Accidents can occur in an instant and end lives. Road users must take responsibility,” he stated.
Sgt Gerald Sedibe, SAPS provincial spokesman, confirmed that the accident occurred at 16:30 but said the names of the deceased could not be released yet as their families still had to be informed.
“The SAPS is currently investigating a case of culpable homicide as well as reckless or/and negligent driving,” he added.
