Five more people died in three separate road crashes in Limpopo on Boxing Day on South Africa’s roads.
The carnage continued on the wet roads just days after Transport Minister Fikile Mabalula revealed that more than 800 people had perished in crashes this festive season.
On Sunday, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said: “Three people have died and three others sustained serious injuries in a head-on collision between a VW Sedan and a Nissan SUV on the N1 by-pass next to Peter Mokaba Stadium in Capricorn”.
Initial reports suggest that the driver of the VW Polo lost control of the vehicle and veered into on-coming traffic.
“He collided head-on with a Nissan SUV and three occupants including the VW driver were killed on impact,” said the department.
“One passenger is in a critical condition while two from the SUV escaped with serious injuries.”
In another crash on Sunday afternoon, a 28-year-old man was killed on the N1 North, near Mekete Lodge, in a multiple collision involving a Hyundai Sedan, Toyota Sedan, and a Toyota Loading Van.
“It is alleged that the deceased was trying to overtake and collided with oncoming vehicles. Nine people escaped with injuries and were rushed to the provincial and private hospitals in Polokwane,” said the department.
“Transport and Community Safety MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya is urging motorists to reduce speed especially now that it is raining, and the roads are wet.”
The department said Lerule-Ramakhanya was also concerned about the reports of pedestrians killed by speeding vehicles on the district roads.
The latest incident involving a pedestrian was reported in Sekhukhune on the R579 road at Mohlarekoma village.
It is reported that a 30-year-old man was knocked and killed by a speeding BMW sedan while crossing the road.
“The number of people dying as a result of speeding is now a cause for concern,” said the department.
“Our roads are wet and we urge drivers to be cautious, reduce speed and observe the following distance. The number of pedestrians killed on our roads is on the rise and this is because of speed and reckless driving.
“Road users must play their part and assist in reducing fatal accidents on our roads.”
