Pretoria - Fifteen people were fatally wounded in three accidents that happened on major roads in the North West province over the weekend.
Traffic officials said all three fatal accidents were head-on collisions and speed and drunken driving were contributing factors.
According to reports, nine people were killed following a head-on collision while travelling in a bakkie and a sedan between Koster and Lichtenburg on Friday evening.
Traffic officials said three of the nine deceased were burnt beyond recognition. Only one passenger escaped with serious injuries from the accident that happened about 30km from Lichtenburg, and has since been admitted to hospital. Police are still investigating.
Meanwhile, a father and a daughter were fatally wounded in a head-on collision between Koster and Rustenburg on the R52 road. Police said the accident happened when another car was overtaking.
The driver of the other vehicle has since been arrested and was charged with drunken driving. The accident happened around 3am on Saturday.
Police further reported another fatal crash on the N12 between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom. According to reports, a sedan crashed into a truck and killed four people instantly.
Traffic officials also reported that about eight pedestrians have been killed on provincial roads.
Human Settlements Public Safety and Liaison MEC Nono Maloyi appealed to motorists to be extra cautious on the roads.
"... We are calling on motorists to be responsible and partner with us in reducing road deaths," said Maloyi, adding that traffic officials must double their efforts and show no messy on traffic law offenders. - SAnews.gov.za
