LIMPOPO- A head-on collision between a taxi and a truck on the N1 near the Witvlag bypass close to Louis Trichardt left six people dead last Thursday evening.
Among the deceased are the taxi passengers and driver, marking the devastating loss of life in the accident.
Six people were killed, and four critically injured when the two vehicles collided approximately seven kilometres outside of Louis Trichardt.
The truck was travelling in a southernly direction when it collided with an oncoming taxi which was on its way to Zimbabwe.
Six passengers, including a baby, were declared dead on the scene. The truck driver and his passenger escaped with minor injuries.
The accident resulted in the closure of the N1 for hours to allow clean-up operations to take place. By early Friday morning, traffic in both directions was backed up for several kilometres, and the N1 completely closed off. Single-lane traffic was allowed through just after 08:00.
According to Tidimalo Chuene, the spokesperson for traffic authorities, the victims include an infant, two women, and three men. Chuene said driver fatigue may have played a role in the cause of the collision.
“As a department, we are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.”
The authorities are likely to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the precise causes of the collision.