3 dead, 28 injured in tragic head-on collision near Mantsole Weighbridge on N1

LIMPOPO – Three people including two young children were killed and 28 were injured after a Toyota Fortuner and a 22-seater minibus collided head-on along the N1 near the Mantsole Weighbridge.

According to the Department of Transport spokesperson, Matomi Moremi-Taueatsoala the collision happened after a Toyota Fortuner which was travelling northbound allegedly lost control following what is believed to be a tyre burst – it then went over vegetation (median split) and collided head on with a 22-seater minibus that was travelling southbound.

The MEC for Transport & Community Safety in Limpopo, Mme Makoma Makhurupetje visited the scene of the horrific accident and expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased.

“According traffic officers, there were 21 passengers in the minibus and ten passengers (six children and four adults) in the Fortuner. Whilst we are still counting the number of those who are seriously injured, we can at this stage confirm the death of 3 people – who include the driver of the minibus, and two children.” As MEC, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

“We wish to reiterate once again that motorists should become extra vigilant on our roads especially now that we are experiencing higher than normal traffic volumes. Let us continue to check the road-worthiness of our vehicles and especially tyre fitness. Speeding and overtaking when it is not safe should be avoided at all cost” MEC Makhurupetje added.

Of the 28 people injured, four were critically injured, 13 sustained serious injuries and 11 minor injuries. All patients were transported to the Bela Bela and Modimolle hospitals for medical treatment, Moremi-Taueatsoala concluded.

14:15

N1 Southbound lanes temporarily closed after head-on collision near Mantsole Weighbridge

LIMPOPO – The southbound lanes have been temporarily closed to allow emergency personnel to attend to the scene of the accident, says The Department of Transport.

#BakwenaN1N4 #Crash alert – FULL ROAD CLOSURE N1 south between Mantsole weighbridge & Pienaarsrivier. Recovery in progress, please be patient. Delays expected.

— Bakwena Platinum (@BakwenaN1N4) December 16, 2018

Departmental spokesperson, Matome Moremi-Taueatsoala,  urges the motorists travelling from Limpopo to Gauteng to use the R101. “They can use the Corrindton off ramp and then re-join the N1 at West De Venter on ramp.”

This comes after a two vehicles, a Toyota Fortuner and a 22-seater mini bus, collided head-on along the N1 about 500 meters from the Mantsole Weighbridge.

“It is alleged the vehicle travelling North lost control, went over the vegetation (median strip) and collided with the second vehicle travelling South. Details of fatalities and injuries will be released when the scene is cleared,” he concluded.

https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/287757/n1-24-south-bound-lanes-closed-head-collision/