What was meant to be one of the most important celebrations on the Christian calendar and a time for family reunions, turned into a day of carnage on one of South Africa’s busiest economic corridors.

Preliminary statistics for Good Friday show that 41 accidents and 5 fatalities were recorded within 24 hours on the N4 toll route.

According to TRAC N4 spokesperson Solange Soares, the N4, a primary artery between Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Mozambique, saw a massive surge in traffic volumes as holidaymakers and pilgrims headed east.

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“The N4 is no stranger to high traffic during the Easter period. Among the five lives lost, one accident between Machadodorp and Belfast claimed the lives ofthree children. A vehicle hit the pedestrians and all threewere declared dead at the scene,” she said.

The Lowveld recorded the highest number of accidents, with 14 incidents, two fatalities and six serious accidents.

This was followed by the Highveld, which recorded three fatalities across nine accidents. There were no fatalities reported in Mozambique or Gauteng.

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Soares said despite intensified road patrols, the high volume of accidents suggests SA’s motorists are not adhering to road rules.

Law enforcement erected roadblocks and speed checkpoints across the province for the remainder of the long weekend.

But it seems lawlessness was rife on all SA roads, not just the N4.

Mpumalanga’s MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. However, he called for increased driver accountability.

“The loss of five lives in a single day is a tragedy which could have been avoided. We are seeing a high number of accidents due to human error and a lack of caution regarding pedestrians on the N4,” he said.