Three people were killed in a collision between two vehicles on the N8 between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo on Monday morning.
The tragic accident brings the number of people killed on Free State roads this weekend to 13.
According to provincial emergency medical services spokesperson Sipho Towa, three more people suffered injuries and were taken to Botshabelo Hospital for treatment.
Monday’s accident comes just two days after 10 people were killed in a collision between a bus and a truck on the same stretch of road on Saturday.
The crash injured a further 30 passengers, sending six to hospitals for treatment, five with moderate injuries and 19 with minor injuries.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, said Simon Zwane, spokesman for the Road Traffic Control Company.
“The impact resulted in a full emergency response, with paramedics, fire and law enforcement attending the scene, and tragically ten people suffered fatal injuries and were declared deceased at the scene,” he said.
“Crash reconstruction experts were dispatched to the scene to determine the exact cause of the collision.”
EMS crews on high alert
Meanwhile, City of Johannesburg ambulance crews have urged motorists to remain cautious while driving and increase safe following distances to avoid accidents caused by the severe weather.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said residents in low-lying areas, especially informal settlements, should avoid crossing river flows when carrying out daily activities.
“Faith-based organizations are urged to avoid visiting river streams to perform baptism and cleansing rituals as most of our river streams are full to prevent drowning incidents.
“We have activated our disaster management monitoring teams in all seven regions of the City of Johannesburg, and all our fire stations are fully operational, along with our water rescue unit, ready to respond to all water-related emergencies,” said Mulaudzi.
READ MORE: Twenty-two lives have been lost this week in fatal road accidents in South Africa
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Coceka Magubeni
sundayworld.co.za