Seven die in accident on R545 between Bethal and Kriel
An articulated truck and a minibus collided head on.
Seven people died in an accident on the road between Bethal and Kriel this morning, October 17.
An articulated truck and a minibus collided head on. The deceased were all occupants in the minibus, including the driver.
The driver of the truck escaped with slight injuries.
According to Mr Moeti Mmusi, from the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, it is not clear what caused the accident but the investigation is already underway. It is believed the minibus was travelling from Bethal to Kriel while the truck was travelling in the opposite direction.
The Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe called on the community for increased cautious driving.
“It is sad that during October Transport Month when road safety is under the spotlight, we lose so many people in a single incident. We are once more appealing to motorists to obey the rules and always prioritise their safety and that of other road users,” said Mr Shongwe.
He sent condolences to the bereaved families.
According to Mr Ross Campbell, from ER24 ambulance services, their paramedics arrived on the scene just before 03:00to find the truck and taxi off the side of the road.
The bodies of five men could initially be seen entrapped in the wreck of the taxi.
“Once the Fire Department had begun the process of extraction a further two bodies were found,” Mr Campbell said.
