Three deadly accidents this morning claimed several lives including that of a child in Mpumalanga.

Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) spokesperson Moeti Mmusi says the accidents occurred on the R23 between Val and Standerton, the N4 near Vosman and the R38 near Baberton.

In the first accident on the R23, a sedan and minibus taxi collided claiming the lives of all the occupants in the car. The taxi driver, who was the sole occupant of the minibus, was seriously injured.

The DCSSL says the cause of the accident is under investigation but dangerous overtaking cannot be ruled out.

A second accident on the N4 claimed the lives of three people when an SUV and sedan collided head-on. The drivers of both vehicles count among the deceased.

A third accident on the R38 happened when a minibus taxi rolled down a hill several times. Six people were killed, and numerous others transported to hospital.

DCSSL MEC Vusi Shongwe said that the department has noted that most fatal accidents happen at night or during the early morning. He urged drivers to take regular rest stops.