Free State Police investigate tragic three-vehicle collision at Verkeerdevlei tollgate that leaves one person dead

Tragic traffic collision at Verkeerdevlei toll gate claims one life and several injuries

The Free State Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide following a tragic accident involving two trucks and a light motor vehicle at Verkeerdevlei toll gate in Mangaung on Thursday. The incident occurred at around 09:30 on 11 July 2024 and resulted in the unfortunate death of a 31-year-old man at the scene. Several others were injured and rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

Accident details

The accident occurred at approximately 09:30 when the vehicles collided at Verkeerdevlei Square. A 31-year-old man tragically lost his life at the scene. Emergency medical services arrived quickly and assisted the injured who were taken to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. Captain Loraine, a spokesperson for the authorities, reported that all relevant role players were on the scene to bring the situation under control. The road was temporarily closed for several hours to allow emergency services to carry out their duties.

“The N1 road was closed to traffic following an accident at the Verkeerdevlei toll gate. The accident occurred this morning at around 09:30, involving two trucks and a light motor vehicle. At this time, all relevant stakeholders are on the scene. The N1 road will be closed at Winburg and diverted to Theunissen to join the N1 at Bloemfontein. On the Bloemfontein side, the N1 will be closed at the Brandfort exit, diverting traffic to the R30,” Captain Loraine said in an initial statement.

Road closures and diversions

To manage the heavy traffic flow and ensure public safety, the N1 road was temporarily closed at Winburg, with traffic diverted to Theunissen and rejoining the N1 at Bloemfontein. On the Bloemfontein side, traffic was diverted at the Brandfort exit, with vehicles diverted to the R30. The road has now reopened to traffic after hours of diligent work by emergency services and law enforcement.

Government response

In response to the tragic event, MEC for the Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport, Mr. Mbalula, and MEC for the Department of Health, Mr. Mahlatsi, visited the scene of the accident. Both expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

MEC Mbalula stressed the importance of truck drivers being well rested before embarking on their journey and emphasised the need to keep their vehicles road safe. “We extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved families. We urge truck drivers to take adequate rest before hitting the road and ensure their vehicles are in good condition. In future, we will increase the visibility of traffic police to prevent such unfortunate accidents,” MEC Mbalula said.

_______________________________________

Central News Weekly Edition 061: Download the latest weekly edition of Central News Print and Digital Newspaper. Top Story: “Jobs and Growth in Emfuleni: Mayor Sipho Radebe’s State of the Municipality Address”

Download here: