Five people died today (04 March 2022) on the N4 toll road near Schoemankloof towards Mbombela around 11h00.
The crash happened when a truck and a minibus taxi were involved in a side swipe collision. The truck then went on to collide head on with a light delivery vehicle (LDV) that was travelling in the opposite direction.
Four of the deceased were occupants in the minibus and they include three passengers and both drivers of the minibus and the LDV.
Three of the deceased are believed to be tourists from Nertherlands.
The victims died at the crash scene. Three people, two of whom were in the taxi were seriously injured. The driver of the truck is among those who were seriously injured. One person escaped with slight injuries.
Various ambulances responded and the injured were all rushed to nearby hospitals.
The cause of the crash is still unclear and the investigation into it is already underway.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, has expressed concern over the frequency of deadly road crashes in the province.
The MEC is once more urging motorists to be vigilant on the road to avoid needless and avoidable tragedies such as this one.
"We must all play our part in curbing these crashes. Our roads must not be turned into killing fields by reckless drivers. Motorists should respect the rules of the road and exercise required diligence when they are behind the steering wheel," says Shongwe.
He is sending heartfelt and deep condolences to the bereaved families and also wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Ends.
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Moeti Mmusi
Cell: 079 291 0664/ 084 411 3372
Or Kingdom Mabuza
Cell: 082 350 7677