Multiple accidents in Lowveld follow release of Easter weekend stats
Numerous accidents in the Lowveld followed the widespread showers and thundershowers during April 5 to 8. Some role players weigh in on the matter.
Widespread showers and thundershowers developed over much of the country since Saturday, April 6, followed by calm and clear weather conditions returning to many areas.
Throughout the weekend, however, multiple accidents occurred during these conditions, having multiple injuries and fatalities as a result.
Head-on collision on Sunday morning:
On Sunday morning at 08:00, ER24 responded to a motor vehicle accident on the R40 near entrance three of Church Unlimited. Two cars had collided head-on. Tragically, of the six occupants, two were trapped and pronounced dead on the
scene by ER24 paramedics. Two others sustained moderate injuries and the last two serious ones.
Also read: Vehicle kills pregnant wild horse in Kaapsehoop, motorists urged to reduce speed
Sunday afternoon multiple-vehicle accident:
At 14:00 on Sunday, an accident occurred on the N4 in Schoemanskloof between Patatanek and Old Joe. According to Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), five vehicles were involved, resulting in four individuals sustaining injuries. Martin Jeffrey, an Emer-G-Med paramedic, confirmed that none of the patients were seriously injured. Both Emer-G-Med and ER24 transported the individuals to hospital.
Sunday evening vehicle roll-over:
At 20:30 on Sunday, a vehicle rolled over in Schoemanskloof between Patatanek and Old Joe. Jeffrey stated that a single occupant was in the car and did not sustain any injuries.
Motorist collides with tree:
On Monday morning at 06:30, a vehicle accident occurred in Schoemanskloof between Viva Garage and Joubert & Sons. According to Jeffrey, the driver had lost control of the vehicle, colliding into a tree. A passenger was trapped in the vehicle, requiring the fire department to use the Jaws of Life to extract them. The driver was transported to the hospital by Emer-G-Med, while the passenger was transported by ER24. The final figures for Easter weekend accidents, fatalities and injuries were released by the DCSSL this week. Mmusi reported five fatalities in the Lowveld, seven in Nkangala and 10 in Gert Sibande, bringing the total fatalities to 22, an increase from last year’s 17. However, the number of serious injuries decreased from 77 to 62, compared to last year. Mmusi expressed concern about the number of fatalities despite the overall decrease in accidents on the roads.
Jeffrey advised drivers to exercise caution due to the wet road conditions. Mmusi emphasised common causes of accidents, such as losing control of vehicles, overturning, rear-end collisions and unsafe overtaking. Road users were encouraged to obey road regulations and practise responsible and courteous driving.
