The number of people killed in a minibus and bakkie collision on the R40 in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, has now risen to 14.
The two vehicles collided head-on, burst into flames, killing 13 people on the spot. The victims from Acornhoek in Mpumalanga, were on their way to work in Hoedspruit.
Traffic authorities say the 14th victim has died in hospital.
Thirteen others were burnt beyond recognition on Saturday.
Limpopo traffic spokesperson Tshifhiwa Dali says they are working with other stakeholders from Mpumalanga to expedite the identification process.
“The dignitaries are joined by the families of 13 victims of accident who perished in an accident on the R40. The mood is sombre as the officials from Pretoria have started the process of conducting of the tests at the police station, sadly the other victim has succumbed to the injuries bringing the total to 14. May their soul continue to rest in peace.”
One of the first people to arrive at the scene of the crash is Sipho Muthungwa.
“When we arrived at the scene the minibus and the bakkie had already caught fire. So, we tried to stop and we took a razor and cut off the seatbelt of the driver of the bakkie. He was screaming and crying out for help. We took him out and the other two. Those who were in the taxi they were all quiet. I was even shaking, even now I am not okay.”
VIDEO | Families of Hoedspruit accident victims have asked for assistance in burying their loved ones:
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie hopes the process to determine the identities of the deceased will be concluded before the end of this week.
“ Now the process from here moving forward is that we are still waiting for the consultation and finalisation of the forensic and DNA where the processes are ongoing to identify the deceased, remember people here, some are burnt beyond recognition. We hope by Friday we shall have concluded all the process.”
Tumelo Machogo
www.sabcnews.com
