Country musician Tommy Dell injured in fatal R40 crash near Mbombela
Two people died and several others were injured in a two-vehicle collision on the R40 on Saturday night.
Well-known country musician Tommy Dell is receiving medical treatment following a crash on the R40 in Mbombela on Saturday, September 5, in which two people died.
The crash occurred as Dell was returning from performing at a Country Evening at Bosjol in Mbombela, an event organised alongside Solidariteit Helpende Hand.
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According to Moeti Mmusi, the spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the crash occurred at about 22:00 as vehicles were travelling towards Barberton.
Two die on R40
The collision involved a Honda sedan and a bakkie. Two women, who were occupants of the Honda along with Dell, were declared dead at the scene, while occupants of the bakkie sustained injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Mara van der Bergh and Samatha Fuller.
Mmusi said the collision occurred when the Honda sedan was turning onto Hermansburg Road from the Mbombela side, while the bakkie was travelling from Barberton towards Mbombela.
Mmusi urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads, particularly during rainy conditions, which can reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
Elize Visser of Solidariteit Helpende Hand said the organisation remains in shock over the incident, having worked with the team for the event.
“We are saddened by their death and we send a message of condolences to the families and wish a speedy recovery to Dell. We hope he will get better soon,” she said.
Police are investigating two counts of culpable homicide in connection with the crash.
KaMagugu pedestrian death
In a separate incident on the same night, a man was killed after he was struck by a vehicle on the D2296 road towards KaMagugu.
Mmusi added that the incidents have highlighted concerns about road safety in and around Mbombela, with motorists urged to drive responsibly and adjust speed to prevailing road and weather conditions.
This is a developing story. Lowvelder will update readers as more information becomes available.
