LIMPOPO – The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has reported the loss of five lives on provincial roads since the start of the weekend. One person died in a bus crash in the Capricorn district while the others were killed in separate collisions in the Mopani and Vhembe districts, respectively.
Departmental media liaison officer Mike Maringa explained that the bus collision occurred this morning (Saturday) on the N1 road north of Louis Trichardt.
The bus was travelling from Gauteng to the Beitbridge border post near Musina. According to a statement issued by the department it is alleged the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle causing it to overturn.
“One person was confirmed dead at the scene while the driver sustained serious injuries. Fourteen others escaped with minor injuries,” said Maringa.
He added that fatigue is suspected to be the cause of this accident. The road was closed for several hours for investigation.
Meanwhile, in another incident reported on the R71 road near Selati Lodge in Mopani, a driver of a sedan and a passenger were reported dead when the vehicle overturned. Maringa said that reckless driving is cited as a possible cause of the accident.
“In Vhembe, two people died in a head-on collusion involving a bakkie and a minibus on the Tshitavha road. One person was critically injured and nine others sustained serious injuries. Preliminary investigations have revealed that speeding and reckless driving could be the possible cause of the incident.”
The MEC for Transport and Community Safety Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya sent messages of condolences to the affected families She further expressed concern over the continuing road crashes in Limpopo and urged motorists to always follow traffic rules.
