A total of eight people died in two separate Mpumalanga accidents since Friday night, July 17.

The latest accident, which claimed four lives, happened along the R577 between Roossenekal and Mashishing (formerly Lydenburg) today, July 18, at approximately 07:00. One person was injured in this accident and was rushed to hospital.

According to preliminary reports, the driver of a Volkswagen light motor vehicle lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn.

“The four deceased – the driver and three passengers – died on impact at the scene,” said Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi.

Tragedy on the R40

Meanwhile, a fourth person succumbed to his injuries while being treated in hospital following last night’s minibus taxi accident on July 17.

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This was in addition to three more fatalities that occurred when the minibus taxi overturned along the R40 last night (July 17).

“The victim was being treated in one of the hospitals in Mbombela when he succumbed to his injuries,” said Mmusi.

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie expressed deep concern about the ongoing road tragedies.

“We cannot allow road deaths to become so frequent when most of these incidents are avoidable. All that is required is responsible driver behaviour to end this mayhem and make our roads safer. We all need to obey the rules,” Macie said.

Macie extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured passenger a speedy recovery, according to Mmusi.