LIMPOPO – The Easter long weekend fatality rate stands at seven after more fatal incidents were recorded on provincial roads.
The first two fatalities of the Easter weekend were recorded in the Waterberg district, while the latest incidents occurred in the Capricorn and Mopani districts.
According to a statement by Transport media liaison officer Mike Maringa, the first incident was reported on the D11 road at Sekgosese in the Mopani district.
“The driver of a sedan lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree in the early hours of Friday (April 15) morning. He was certified dead at the scene and reckless driving and speeding is suspected to be the cause of the incident,” Maringa explained.
He said the second incident was reported near Solomondale in the Capricorn district. “A sedan driver lost control of his vehicle which then overturned. A 32-year-old passenger was killed on impact, while the driver escaped with serious injuries,” Maringa added and said speeding is cited as a possible cause of the incident.
The third incident was a multi-vehicle crash on the D3260 Selwane road in the Mopani district. “It is believed that an over-loaded bakkie collided with a sedan before crashing head-on with another sedan. A male passenger of one of the vehicles was killed on impact,” he said.
Maringa added that one person was critically injured, while six sustained serious injuries and six others escaped with minor injuries.
He explained to Review that two more fatal incidents occurred last night and earlier this morning (April 16).
“On the R510 near Northam in the Waterberg district, a two hatchbacks collided head-on. One of the drivers in his 30s was killed while the other driver sustained moderate injuries. The incident occurred at around 06:30 and reckless driving has been cited as a possible cause,” Maringa said.
The other fatality was recorded in Makhado at around 22:30 last night (April 15). “A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on the N1.”
Maringa said the number of fatalities recorded thus far is lower than last year at this stage. “We have recorded 24 crashes with seven fatalities compared to 26 crashes and 11 fatalities at this point last year,” he added.
Transport MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya says the visibility of traffic officials is critical to ensure no more lives are lost this Easter weekend. She also plead with motorists not to drink and drive.
