Five people died and one was injured on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Mbombela on Thursday, October 24, when a light delivery vehicle (LDV) and a truck collided head-on.

According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison’s (DCSSL) spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, all five deceased were occupants in the LDV. Another of the LDV’s occupants was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Mbombela. The driver of the truck escaped unharmed.

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The cause of the accident remains unclear at this stage, however, the investigation has already commenced.

The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, is yet again pleading with motorists to use the road cautiously to reduce deaths and injuries from crashes. “It is deeply disturbing to be losing lives as a result of these seemingly unending road crashes. Motorists must come to the party and put safety first. Over 80% of these crashes are as a result of human behaviour. This means with greater caution on the part of drivers, our roads can be safer,” he said.