Thohoyandou multi-vehicle crash claims three lives

LIMPOPO – The MEC for Transport, Violet Mathye, has expressed her deep sadness following a tragic multi-vehicle accident that occurred on Friday on the P277/1 near Khoroni Hotel in Thohoyandou, Vhembe.

At approximately 08:00, a Scania bus and a minibus collided, resulting in a devastating pileup involving 25 vehicles.

A pedestrian was killed after being struck by the minibus. It was later reported that two additional individuals died at Tshilidzini Hospital, including the driver of the taxi.

Mathye offered her heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and commended the swift response of emergency services and law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to rescue and treat the injured.

All patients were transported to Tshilidzini Hospital for medical attention, and as of the latest reports, three fatalities have been confirmed.

Tidimalo Chenue from the Department of Transport and Community Safety said as the department investigates the cause of the incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving.

The MEC urged all road users to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and maintain safe following distances to prevent such tragedies.

An eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous, who is a taxi driver operating between Vuwani and Sibasa, recounted the incident.

“I drive a green taxi and was stopped at a red light, waiting for the signal to change.

“There were two vehicles in front of me when suddenly a bus came crashing into the vehicles ahead,” he said.

“I was positioned between the lines on a three-lane road when I heard a loud bang and then a chain reaction. It was a tragic, frightening, and uncontrollable situation that left us traumatised,” said the eyewitness.