Eight killed in separate accidents on Christmas

An accident has claimed the lives of at least five people in Limpopo.

It is understood the accident happened on the R81, near BP Garage and the Solomondale turn-off in the Capricorn District on Christmas eve.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said the accident was caused by a head-on collision between a Toyota Avanza and a Volkswagen Polo.

Fatalities

“Five people, including the drivers of the two vehicles, were declared dead at the scene. Three other people who sustained serious injuries were transported to Mankweng Hospital for medical attention.

“Law enforcement officers at the scene cite reckless driving as a possible cause of the crash,” said the department in a statement.

Condolences

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families.

“We are saddened by the news and send heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. May they be granted strength to get through this difficult time.

“I take this sad opportunity to remind all road users to prioritise safety during this period. Let us obey the rules of the road at all times, to arrive alive, ” said MEC Radzilani.

Carletonville and Potchefstroom crash

In a separate accident, three people were killed and three others injured following a head-on collision between a taxi and a car on the R501 between Carletonville and Potchefstroom.

Paramedics said they arrived on the scene before 6am to find the taxi and car on the side of the road.

Fatalities

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said medics found a man and two women lying inside the car.

“Unfortunately, all three patients had already succumbed to their numerous injuries. The three in the car died.”

The man, woman and child in the taxi were injured.

“A man, woman and young girl were found lying outside the taxi. Medics assessed the patients and found that the woman and child were in critical condition, while the man had sustained moderate injuries,” Meiring said.

Meiring said medics treated the patients on scene.

“They provided the critically injured with advanced life support interventions before they were transported to the Potchefstroom Provincial Hospital for further care.”

“Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations,” Meiring said.

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