Pretoria - Transport Minister Dipuo Peters has sent her condolences to the families of the 10 people who died in a massive accident outside White River, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday night.
According to preliminary reports, the crash involved a truck, a bus and a RAV 4 SUV, which were travelling on the R40. Ten people died, six were seriously injured and 34 sustained minor injuries.
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.
All vehicles were burnt almost beyond recognition.
“This is deeply shocking and saddening and our condolences go to the bereaved families. My fervent wish is for those injured to recover speedily.
“I call on all South Africans to spare a thought for all affected, the law enforcement officers and emergency rescue services, who are all out to do their best under the circumstances,” said the minister.
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.
Along with the minister, 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.
The minister added that the Road Accident Fund, an entity of the department, would be on the ground to give support and assistance to families of both the deceased and the injured. – SAnews.gov.za
