Death toll rises to ten after head-on crash on N1 in Limpopo
Preliminary findings show that the accident was caused by a speeding Toyota Combi which lost control and collided head-on with a MAN Truck.
The scene of the crash earlier on Thursday morning. Image: Facebook
Ten people were killed and two were injured when a truck and a cross-border combi collided head-on along the N1 near Kranskop on Thursday morning, reports Polokwane Review.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT TRUCK VS MINIBUS : N1 AT LEEURANTJIES – MODIMOLLE. LP. SEVERAL DEAD. ENTRAPMENTS. MANY INJURED. TRUCK IS ON FIRE. ALL NORTHBOUND LANES CLOSED. AVOID!!!
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) April 18, 2019
The accident, which occurred on the N1’s high accident zone in Modimolle at Leeurantjies, has resulted in the road between Kranskop and Mookgophong being closed for several hours to allow the forensic pathologists to complete their work.
#EasterWeekend #N1Accident. This is before Kranskop Toll, from Engen towards Polokwane, Patience patience please👮 @TrafficSA #traff pic.twitter.com/62qv6816yb
— Jwale_corps (@hafltaem) April 18, 2019
In a statement released, spokesperson for the Department of Transport, Matome Taueatsoala says preliminary findings show that the accident happened after a speeding Toyota Combi lost control and collided head-on with a MAN Truck. Ten people died, and two others were injured.
Spokesperson for the Department of Transport, Matome Taueatsoala says the traffic is being diverted by traffic officials to R33 and R 101.
Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Makoma Makhurupetje has since visited the scene of the accident, and has extended her condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“This is another sad day in our province. We have lost ten people in an accident that could have been prevented if the required speed limit was adhered to. This is heart wrenching indeed.
“Once again, government reminds motorists to stick to the required speed limit on the N1, which is 120Km per hour. Anyone who infringes this rule is a risk not only to himself, but to other road users.”
Limpopo is declared a zero-tolerance province against anyone caught not obeying the rules of the road this Easter, MEC Makhurupetje concluded.
“Motorists are urged to exercise patience and be cautious when approaching the scene.”
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