BREAKING NEWS: Three die in accident in KNP
Alcohol abuse and speeding are allegedly the reasons for a tragic accident in the northern part of the Kruger National Park in which three people lost their lives over the weekend.
The accident happened on the road between Mopani and Shingwedzi.
Tourists, who asked not to be named, alleged the taxi involved in the accident passed them on the road traveling at a very high speed.
South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the passing away of three day visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) after the taxi they were traveling in overturned.
Other tourists also alleged that the northern part of the Kruger park, Mopani and Shingwedzi in particular, turn into a massive drinking spree over weekends with no application of the Kruger Park’s restrictions on alcohol adhered to or enforced.
It is also alleged that taxis leave the camps quite late and then speed to reach the exit gates before closing.
“It seemed that most of the visitors were speeding to get out of the park before the gate closed. Visitors just do not give a damn to adhere to the rules of the park anymore, and that is a shame,’ the source told the Herald.
Several others who suffered minor injuries in the accident were treated on the scene while the more seriously injured were transported by ambulances to hospitals in the area.
Preliminary reports suggest that there was no other car involved, however the SAPS are investigating the incident and circumstances around it.
According to eyewitnesses, the car veered off the road and overturned.
Two people were certified dead on the scene and another passed away on the way to hospital.
Reacting to the news, the Managing Executive of the KNP Glenn Phillips passed his sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased.
“It is indeed a tragic event to lose someone but to lose three is even more devastating. When reports of the accident were received, we immediately dispatched ambulances and medical personnel from Phalaborwa and Malamulele to assist those affected. The SAPS are conducting the investigation of what could have actually happened and we hope that the affected families will be able to gain access to the results of their investigations at the appropriate time. We also appeal to people not to start speculating about what happened. We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.” concluded Phillips.
The names of the deceased cannot be released yet until their next of kin have been notified. Those who were injured are receiving trauma counseling as well.
