[TAKE NOTE] High speed police chase ends in fatal collision on R37
According to a police statement, one of the vehicles involved, a taxi, was being chased by members of the Highway Patrol Unit when the incident occurred.
POLOKWANE – One person died and three were injured after four vehicles collided this morning along the R37, approximately 15km outside of Polokwane.
According to a police statement, one of the vehicles involved, a taxi, was being chased by members of the Highway Patrol Unit when the incident occurred.
“It is alleged the said vehicle was being driven recklessly along the Polokwane N1 bypass. The members chased after them along the bypass and onto the R37 road towards Burgersfort. About 15km further, the driver lost control of the vehicle and they collided with three other vehicles which were travelling towards Polokwane,” Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, said.
Illicit cigarettes were found inside the vehicle at the crash site.
Mojapelo says one person died on the scene. “Three people were injured, including the wife of the suspect (driver of the taxi).”
In a statement, Russel Meiring, Communications Officer of ER24 said paramedics arrived on the scene to find a several vehicles on the same side of the road. “A bakkie had been ripped open in the collision while a taxi was on its side. On closer inspection, medics found a man in his 50s, lying trapped inside the bakkie. The man was extricated and provided with advanced life support interventions.”
Meiring added that the man succumbed to injuries sustained and was declared dead on the scene. “Three other people who were injured were transported to nearby hospitals for further care.”
Mojapelo added that cases of culpable homicide and possession of illicit cigarettes are being investigated.
The R37 road between Polokwane and Lebowakgomo is open.
08:29
[TAKE NOTE] Fatal collision on R37, road temporarily closed
POLOKWANE- The R37 road between Polokwane and Ga-Chune is closed following a fatal collision earlier today.
According to Media Liaison Officer for the Department of Transport, Mike Maringa, four vehicles were involved.
Motorists travelling from Polokwane to Lebowakgomo are advised to use the alternative R519 (Kuschke road).
Traffic officers are on the scene to redirect traffic.
This is a developing story.
