A horrific accident claimed the lives of six people on the R542 between Van Dyk’s Drift and Blinkpan this morning.

According to Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi, both drivers and four passengers died on the scene.

Four other passengers sustained severe injuries and were rushed to hospitals in eMalahleni and Middelburg.

Jacques Pretorius, a motorist who had overtaken an Amarok bakkie just minutes before the accident, is trying to come to terms with the accident.

“I keep thinking I could have been involved if I hadn’t passed that bakkie,” said Jacques Pretorius, calling it the worst day of his life.

“I was driving to Blinkpan behind the Amarok and overtook it. On my way back, I came across the accident. I immediately recognised the Amarok.  I keep thinking I could have been involved if I hadn’t passed that bakkie.”

“All of our breakdown guys, emergency personnel, police, and first responders deal with this every day… I really salute you guys, there are no words. You guys are just amazing, and ja, as I said, have no words….”

The cause of the crash is still unclear at this stage. An investigation is already underway.

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