Following a fatal head-on collision on the R23 on Tuesday night, April 23, MEC Jackie Macie has made an urgent plea for road safety, noting that such tragedies cost the South African economy billions in compensation.

Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, confirmed that the accident occurred when a sedan and a truck collided head-on.

In addition to the four fatalities – all women travelling in the sedan – four other people were injured, including the driver and remaining passengers of the vehicle. The truck driver sustained slight injuries, and all patients were transported to a medical facility in Standerton for treatment.

Mmusi stated that an investigation into the cause is currently underway, with authorities looking into the possibility that reckless and negligent driving played a part.

MEC Jackie Macie urged motorists to use the road responsibly by obeying the rules and driving with caution, highlighting that the R23 remains a high-priority route due to its history of fatal crashes.

“Other than the human tragedy involved, fatal accidents are negatively affecting the country’s economy,” Macie said. “Billions of rands are spent on compensating victims through the Road Accident Fund.”

Road no stranger to fatal accidents

On January 8, the Ridge Times reported about a fatal accident also claiming the lives of four people on the R23. The accident occurred about 30km outside Standerton when a sedan and light delivery vehicle collided head on.