OSHOEK – Improved law enforcement, visibility and increased vigilance on the part of all road users is critical to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from road crashes.

This is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe.

Shongwe’s comments follows the death of seven people in a crash that occurred on N17 Road between Waverly and Oshoek on Thursday around 06:00.

According to Shongwe,the crash occurred when a light delivery vehicle (LDV) and a truck collided from the side.

The deceased include the driver of an LDV. Eight people were seriously injured while one person escaped with only slight injuries.

The injured were rushed to Elukwatini Hospital for further medical attention.
The MEC has sent condolences to the bereaved families and also wishing those who were injured a speedy recovery.

He has further called on motorists to drive with caution and observe traffic regulations.

He also urged vehicle owners to always ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before undertaking any road trips as this will assist in reducing accidents.

“We must all work with government to eradicate road crashes which often disintegrates families with some children losing their parents and others losing breadwinners.

Road safety remains everybody’s business and with increased co-operation we can all make our road safer,” Shongwe said.