Four people dead in mist pile up on N12
The winter fog came down thick across the N12 over the weekend, which led to several accidents including a fatal collision where four people died.
The N12 leading into eMalahleni was the scene of several accidents and bumper bashes on May 23 when thick mist settled on the highway at about 07:00.
Mist accidents seem like a yearly occurrence as the winter season approaches; however the scene quickly went from bad to worse when a truck ploughed into a Bantam bakkie carrying four people all of whom have passed away.
The Bantam bakkie was apparently stationary behind a Mercedes while a row of cars were stuck in traffic due to the earlier collisions.
The driver of the truck, which was returning to Richard’s Bay after a delivery, was allegedly trying to overtake a Volkswagen Polo. As the truck turned back into the slow lane it collided with the Bantam, and like a row of dominos the bakkie crashed into the Mercedes in front of it with a large force.
Two of the passengers as well as the driver were declared dead on the scene. The fourth victim died several days later in Witbank Hospital.
The truck driver was arrested on the scene by the SAPS and appeared in Witbank Magistrate’s Court on May 26 as he is facing a charge of culpable homicide. He was apparently released on bail and his case was remanded to a later unscheduled date.
Marius Etsebeth, investigating officer on the case, has asked any witnesses of the collision to please contact him as this will help in the investigation. The victims, who were residents of Middelburg, have been identified by their family. A family member was driving in the Polo behind them and witnessed the accident. “I don’t know I am torn,” said the unnamed woman grievingly. Their funeral will be held on Saturday, May 30.
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