RTMC urges road users to exercise extreme caution in the early morning hours, with reference to statistics that show that most crashes take place for dawn.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) says that it has sent a team of researchers to the free state to investigate the cause of the fatal crash that claimed 10 lives this morning.
The crash between a bus and a truck happened around 3 o’clock on the N6, about 15 km from Redersburg.
“Information at this stage indicates that the bus on the N6 was driving from Redersburg in the direction of Smithfield, while the truck drove with two trailers in the opposite direction,” said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.
“The two vehicles clashed in a side-wip type [of a] Crash, “added Zwane.
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Multiple injuries
Ten people – usually adult women and a minor – died on the spot, while 31 others were injured and were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
Zwane said that the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
“The RTMC sends participation in the affected families and wishes a quick recovery from the wounded,” he said.
“We also urge all road users to exercise extreme caution while traveling in the early hours of the morning. Statistics show that most crashes take place before dawn.”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that they started an investigation into the catastrophic collision and have opened a case of culpable murder.
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Premier sends condolences
Free State Prime Minister Maqueen Letoha-Mathae transferred her participation to the families of the victims and to the families of eight people drowned after the car in which they traveled was wiped out on Monday by strong water flows in Heilbron.
A 71-year-old man and a two-year-old girl belonged to those who drowned.
“I am astonished for learning about the loss of lives of the two incidents. Road safety remains a priority, and if the government, we intensify our efforts to curb road deaths. These tragic incidents serve as a painful memory of the work, but also to intensify our campaigns for road safety,” said Letsoha-Mathe.
“On behalf of the provincial government of the free state and the population of our province, I want to expand our condolences to all affected families during this difficult period. We also wish the wounded a fast recovery,” she added.
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Lesego Seokwang
www.citizen.co.za