[LISTEN] 3 killed on N1 bypass near Peter Mokaba Stadium
In two separate incidents, a man was killed in a multi-vehicle collision on the N1 north and another man was run over while he tried to cross the road.
POLOKWANE – Three more people have died in collisions on provincial roads.
In the latest incident, three people were killed and three others sustained serious injuries, according to Transport media liaison officer Mike Maringa.
Maringa said in a statement the latest collision occurred on the N1 bypass next to the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
“The accident was a head-on collision between a sedan and a SUV, and it is reported that the driver of the sedan lost control of the vehicle and veered into oncoming traffic. He collided head-on with the SUV and three occupants, including the sedan driver, were killed on impact,” Maringa explained and added one passenger is in a critical condition.
Two occupants from the SUV sustained serious injuries.
The collision was not the only fatal incident today (December 26).
“In another accident reported on Sunday afternoon, a 28-year-old man was killed on the N1 north in a head-on collision involving two sedans and a bakkie. It is alleged that the deceased was trying to overtake and collided with oncoming vehicles. Nine people escaped with injuries and were rushed to the provincial and a private hospital in Polokwane,” he added.
Transport MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya urged motorists to reduce speed, especially in wet and slippery conditions.
The MEC is also concerned about the number of pedestrians killed by speeding vehicles following the death of a 30-year-old man.
“The latest incident was reported in the Sekhukhune district on the R579 at Mohlarekoma village. It is reported that the man was knocked over and killed by a speeding sedan while he tried to cross the road,” Maringa said.
Lerule-Ramakhanya said the number of people dying as a result of speeding is a cause for concern.
“Our roads are wet and we urge drivers to be cautious, reduce speed and observe the following distance. The number of pedestrians killed on our roads is on the rise and this is because of speeding motorists and reckless driving. Road users must play their part and assist in reducing fatal accidents on our roads,” she concluded.
Maringa urged motorists and pedestrians to reduce their speed and be observant before they attempt to cross the road.
Also read: 4 killed in Christmas morning collisions
