Numerous collisions reported in Newcastle over the Easter period
The Newcastle Advertiser extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.
The Easter weekend got off to a tragic start on the roads near Newcastle and surrounding areas, as a series of collisions left five people dead and more than 40 injured from April 17 to April 22.
In the five days, the worst of the collisions involved a minibus taxi, a motor vehicle and two trucks which collided on the N11 near Ingogo on April 17.
Five occupants of the minibus passed away at the scene, while 10 others sustained moderate to minor injuries and were transported to Madadeni Hospital for further medical attention.
Newcastle Fire and Rescue had to use the Jaws of Life to free some of the victims from the wreckage.
It is believed minibus was travelling from Johannesburg to Newcastle at the time.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda urged road users to abide by the rules of the road and encouraged officials to work around the clock to establish the cause of the fatal crash.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened.
“As the provincial government, we are saddened that five people have perished in one road crash. On behalf of the provincial government, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased during this difficult time of bereavement. This is one of the crashes that could have been avoided if people adhered to the rules of the road,” said Kaunda.
In a separate incident, WATCO Emergency Services responded to more than 20 other collisions in the Amajuba District during the Easter period.
“Over the weekend three other collisions involving taxi’s were reported leaving scores injured,” said Operations manager, Jan-Henk van Vuuren.
On Monday afternoon alone, six collisions occurred at the Amajuba Pass forcing traffic to come to a stand still and resulted in kilometers of traffic congestion.
During this time a collision also occurred on the Dannhauser Road and on the R23 just outside Volksrust.
A high volume of traffic passed through the N11 and R34 on Monday, after the N3 Van Reenen’s Pass was closed due to multiple collisions.
The Newcastle Advertiser extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.
ALSO READ: Five dead, multiple injured in N11 four vehicle pile-up
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