A head on collision between a Toyota Avanza and a Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV) that occurred this morning on R23 Road between Standerton and Balfour has claimed 10 people’s lives. Nine people who died were occupants in the Avanza while one person who died while being transported to the hospital, was in the bakkie.
All nine people’s bodies were burnt beyond recognition due the impact of the collision. Only one child died during the collision. Two people sustained critical injuries and they are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.
It is not clear at this stage what may have caused the crash but the police are investigating. It is believed that the Avanza may have been travelling from KwaZulu Natal province and it was headed for Gauteng Province when the collision occurred.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Pat Ngomane is deeply shocked by the incident saying that the amount of accidents are gradually turning the roads into killing fields. Ngomane has once more pleaded with motorists to ensure that their actions contribute towards preserving lives at all times when they are behind the steering wheel.
Ngomane has sent his heartfelt condolences to the affected families and he has also wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.
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Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Contacts:
Tel: (013) 766 1579
Mobile: 082 678 1450
E-Mail: emabuza@mpg.gov.za