HARRISMITH – A tragic head-on collision on the R712 in the eastern Free State claimed the lives of seven people, while one person survived with injuries on Saturday evening, May 23.
Sipho Towa, provincial spokesperson for the Free State Road Incident Management (RIMS), said the dead were six men and one woman who died in a collision between a light delivery vehicle and a light motor vehicle between Harrismith and Qwaqwa.
“They were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services personnel and law enforcement agencies who responded to the horrific head-on collision,” Towa said.
He said the survivor was taken to Thebes Hospital in Harrismith for medical treatment after suffering moderate injuries. Towa said the road was temporarily closed for the clearance and investigation by the SAPS Crash Investigation Unit.
The fatal collision reportedly occurred at about 11.20pm near the Sterkfontein Dam. The circumstances surrounding it are part of a police investigation.
“The Free State Road Incident Management System (RIMS) extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. We urge all road users to exercise caution, respect speed limits and ensure vehicles are roadworthy. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Towa said.
The identities of the seven victims have yet to be released.
Teboho Setena
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