The provincial road network has been marred by tragedy after eight people lost their lives in two separate crashes since Friday night (July 17), reports Lowvelder.

The most recent incident occurred earlier this morning (July 18) at arround 07:00 on the R577 between Roossenekal and Mashishing. Four occupants of a Volkswagen, including the driver and three passengers, died at the scene after the vehicle overturned. One other person was rushed to hospital.

Meanwhile, the death toll from a minibus taxi crash on the R40 near Hilltop has risen to four. Three people died when the vehicle overturned on Friday night, and a fourth victim passed away while receiving treatment in a Mbombela hospital.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, expressed grave concern regarding the ongoing carnage.

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

The MEC extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured survivor a speedy recovery.

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