Tragic Minibus Accident Claims Lives in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Click to start listening
Johannesburg, Dec 23 (NationPress) At least seven individuals have lost their lives and five others sustained injuries on Monday following the overturning of their minibus on the N3 highway in South Africa's northeastern province of Mpumalanga, as confirmed by local authorities.
As reported by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, the incident took place in the early morning hours when the vehicle was en route from Gauteng Province to KwaZulu-Natal Province.
According to a statement from the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, two individuals suffered serious injuries while three others experienced minor injuries. The injured parties were promptly transported to the nearby Frankfort Hospital in Free State Province.
Jackie Macie, a member of the executive council for community safety, security, and liaison in Mpumalanga, stated that the cause of the accident remains unknown, but an investigation is currently underway.
“It is profoundly saddening to witness such a tragic end to lives that were meant to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones. All road users must consistently prioritize their safety and that of others by exercising extreme caution,” said Macie.
He urged drivers to remain vigilant and adjust their driving practices according to the existing road conditions, particularly at night when visibility is limited, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In the meantime, South Africa's Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged the freight sector to implement measures aimed at reducing road accidents.
Following this recent accident, the RTMC highlighted that numerous accidents have transpired in the early morning hours, indicating that fatigue might be a contributing factor.
“Fatigue is among the primary causes of road accidents. Research indicates that drowsy and distracted drivers are considerably more prone to being involved in collisions,” stated the RTMC.
“Both physical and mental fatigue can adversely affect reaction times, decision-making, and attention—skills that are crucial for safe driving. Drivers who are physically weary or mentally drained may miss warning signals, misjudge traffic situations, or fail to react swiftly to sudden changes.”
On Sunday, a similar accident in Limpopo Province resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to five others.
