Phalaborwa: R71 claims life of a soldier

A car crash on the R71 road has claimed the life of a man believed to be a local soldier.

According to a police report, one person died after two vehicles, a minibus and a Toyota Corolla, collided head-on on the R71 next to the Lulekani entrance turnoff.

A local emergency unit, Voluntary Medical and Rescue Technologies, confirmed there was a fatality, two moderately to seriously injured persons and two people with minor injuries.

Police said the deceased was a soldier stationed at 7 South African Infantry (7SAI) Battalion within the South African National Defense Force (SANDF).

However, 7SAI communication officer, Makushu Kunie, told the Phalaborwa Herald that 7SAI could not comment as they were unaware of the incident and have not received an official statement.

The police said that upon arrival on the scene of the accident, they discovered that man who was a passenger in the Corolla, lying down.

READ: R71 accident claims two lives

The Kombi was allegedly traveling from Phalaborwa and it tried to turn into Lulekani and the Corolla was heading to Phalaborwa. The two vehicles collided.

“Both drivers were taken to Maphutha Hospital. The passengers of the Corolla were rushed to Tzaneen Mediclinic after sustaining serious injuries,” stated the police report.

It is believed the person in the Toyota Corolla was the soldier on his way to work when the accident occurred.

The deceased’s body was taken to Maphutha Hospital Mortuary where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The deceased’s age is not yet known. The police have opened a case culpable homicide.

READ: R71: Two die in head-on collision with bus

“We are so saddened by an accident of this nature which claimed the life of a South African serviceman.” Police are urging all motorists to be extra cautious when traveling,” stated Sergeant Reoh Mabunda of the Lulekani Police Station.

At the time of going to print the Herald had not heard from 7SAI.