Multiple injuries on Soutpansberg Mountain Pass
The driver attempted to overtake another car heading south but lost control over his vehicle after the trailer started zig-zagging.
LIMPOPO – Several people were injured after the driver of a bakkie who was transporting another bakkie on the back of a trailer from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg, according to eye witnesses lost control of the vehicle in the Soutpansberg Mountain Pass on the N1 north outside Louis Trichardt last Tuesday morning.
The injured passengers were rushed to the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital.
Both bakkies were overloaded with passengers and luggage, including the bakkie on the trailer. Some of the victims are still being treated at the hospital, while others were discharged the same day.
According to one of the injured passengers, Elvis Sibanda who suffered minor injuries to his head and a fractured left foot, speed may have contributed to the incident.
“The driver attempted to overtake another car heading south but lost control over his vehicle after the trailer started zig-zagging.”
The vehicle the driver was overtaking was not involved in the incident.
Sibanda said they had survived by the grace of God alone. “It was a frightening experience.”
MEC for Transport Florence Radzilani, wished all those who were injured a speedy recovery and expressed her concern over the number of fatal accidents taking place on Limpopo’s roads every day.
“This clearly indicates to us that people should take regular breaks and ensure that their vehicles are in roadworthy condition before they embark on trips.”
Makhado police spokesperson, Sgt Tshifhiwa Radzilani urged motorists to be extra cautious. She condemned any form of reckless driving, especially speeding. “The cause of this accident is still not clear at this stage, and investigations are continuing.”
