Pretoria – Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has added his voice to the condolences that have poured in for the families of those who died in the accident near White River last night.
“It is unfortunate that accidents continue to rob our province of bread winners, bring sorrow and contribute towards complicating the lives of many families.
“We would like to urge motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads by playing their role in order to assist to avoid human errors. Motorists should exercise caution constantly when using our roads and should stop and rest when they feel fatigued,” said Premier Mabuza on Thursday.
He said government would continue to do its part in ensuring roads are safe through road maintenance and law enforcement.
According to preliminary reports, the crash involved a truck, a bus and a RAV 4 SUV, which were travelling on the R40. It is believed the truck driver lost control of the vehicle and collided partially head on with the bus and the RAV 4 collided into the wreckage.
Ten people died, six were seriously injured and 34 sustained minor injuries. All vehicles were burnt almost beyond recognition.
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said the incident was “deeply shocking and saddening”.
She said an investigation was underway into the accident and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) had dispatched a national team of investigators to join the investigation by the South African Police Services.
RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi expressed his “utter shock and deep sadness at the tragic incident”.
Minister Peters said the national Department of Transport would work closely with the provincial department to beef up provincial capacity.
President Jacob Zuma has also sent condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the victims.
“We are really saddened by this horrific loss of life on our roads. We want to make a strong appeal to all our motorists, pedestrians and South Africans at large to obey the rules of the road and drive responsibly at all times to avoid such loss of life.”
The President also wished all those who were injured a speedy recovery. – SAnews.gov.za
