LIMPOPO – During this accident, five people died instantly and the sixth one was certified dead upon arrival at the hospital. A seventh person, the driver, died in the hospital this morning (Monday) , said Spokesperson Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
The deceased include three children between the age of 1 and 5 and three adults of which one woman is believed to be pregnant. Thirteen others sustained injuries ranging from critical to minor.
“It is alleged that a white Toyota Venture panel van was transporting passengers along the R81 road between Polokwane and Mooketsi, when the driver lost control causing the vehicle to overturned several times and land on it’s roof. The accident happened near ga-Makgoba village near ga-Dikgale at around 10:30,” explained Ngoepe.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was overloaded, said Spokesperson for the Department of Tansport Matome Moremi-Taueatsoala.
The process of identifying all the deceased is still unfolding. A case of culpable homicide has been opened, Ngoepe concluded.