POLOKWANE – MEC for Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo, Makoma Makhurupetje has expressed concern about the second bus accident to happen within a space of a week on the N1 South.
This morning’s accident occurred on the N1 South near the Caltex garage when a bus, carrying 61 passengers was travelling from Harare to Johannesburg overturned after the driver allegedly lost control.
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Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe says out of the 61 passengers (including the driver and the crew), nine were certified dead at the scene. All the injured passengers were taken to different hospitals for medical treatment.
“The deceased were four males, four females and one toddler. Their identification is still unfolding,” he said.
MEC Makhurupetje says this is a second accident to happen within a week involving a long distance bus on the N1 and although investigations are underway, her and the rest of the department are “seriously worried” that nine lives were unnecessarily lost.
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“In total, we have lost 20 people in a week due to long distance bus accidents. This is worrying. Drastic and immediate steps will have to be taken by our law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance on the road,” she said.
This, she says is a priority, particularly this weekend as scores of worshipers will be travelling to Limpopo for the annual Moria ZCC pilgrimage.
“It is important for drivers taking long distance to check their vehicle’s roadworthiness and also ensure that they frequently rest to avoid fatigue taking its toll,” she added.
Makhurupetje further expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured passengers.
