Breaking news.
Another horrific accident near Ermelo claimed the lives of three people shortly after noon on Wednesday.
The accident occurred about 8km from Ermelo on the N11 between Ermelo and Hendrina when a bakkie and a light pick-up truck collided head-on.
According to an eyewitness on the scene the bakkie suddenly veered across the road into the path of the oncoming pick-up. The vehicles landed up more than 80 metres apart.
The critically injured driver of a light pick-up truck was trapped in the vehicle was stabilised by EMT’s before being cut free from the wreckage by Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue personnel using the Jaws of Life. He died on the way to hospital. Two other occupants sustained light to moderate injuries.
It is believed the occupants of the pick-up were returning to Ermelo after spending a Christmas camping holiday at the Middleburg Dam.
The driver of the bakkie died on impact and the body had to be cut free from the wreckage. A passenger died only hours later while being treated in the Ermelo Provincial hospital.
A third occupant was seriously injured and admitted to hospital.
Traffic was backed up for kilometers on either side of the accident while emergency personnel cleared the scene.
The names of the victims have not yet been officially released.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
