KOMATIPOORT – Tragedy marked this year’s Valentine’s weekend in the Onderberg with road accidents claiming the lives of two motorists in two separate incidents.
On Saturday at around 22:55 a married couple travelling to Mozambique from Cape Town became the first victims when they were passing Komatipoort.
According to the police spokesman, Const Natacia Mbuyane, the driver of the Mazda Sting in which the couple was travelling lost control of the vehicle.
“The driver accidentally switched from his lane and before he could safely return to his lane, he collided with a white BMW. Both drivers tried their best to avoid the collision, but there was just very little they both could do. The cars were just too fast,” Mbuyane said.
The two occupants of the BMW escaped the accident with minor injuries.
“However the driver of the Sting was critically injured and the female passenger was trapped in the car. All of the injured were taken to Tonga Hospital for medical attention,” Mbuyane added.
She said the passenger died on the scene while emergency personnel were still waiting for the Jaws of Life.
“Attempts to free her without the Jaws of Life were not successful, and she eventually died as a result of her injuries,” Mbuyane explained.
On Valentine’s Day at around 20:30 a truck driver also heading to Mozambique lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.
The truck’s rear blocked the road for hours after the accident.
“The driver was also trapped in the vehicle. The Jaws of Life were needed in order to rescue him, but without success.
By the time the emergency personnel arrived at the scene, he had already passed away,” Mbuyane said. ccording to Mbuyane a docket has been opened to establish the cause of the accident.
She said, “We are already looking into the cause of the accidents. We are saddened by the loss of life on what is meant to be and celebrated as a loving and romantic day. Our condolences to both families, and we are wishing those hospitalised a speedy and healthy recovery.”
She furthermore urged motorists to exercise caution at all times when driving and to obey the speed limits.
“Following set speed limits sometimes helps minimise the impact during an accident, which could also be the difference between life and death,” Mbuyane said.
At the time of going to print the names of those who died over the weekend, were not yet known.
