Twelve people lost their lives when a minibus taxi was torn apart in a collision with two trucks and a bakkie at Ga-Sekgopo, Limpopo
Picture credit: Limpopo Transport Department.
By Montsho Matlala
Modjadjiskloof: Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has expressed shock at the deaths of 12 people, including a taxi driver, who lost their lives in a collision involving a minibus taxi, two trucks, and a bakkie at Ga-Sekgopo on Saturday.
“The news of this tragic accident is deeply touching, particularly when we consider the mothers and families affected by this loss.
The provincial government stands in solidarity with the families during this difficult time, and we are prepared to provide the necessary support,” said Ramathuba.
Among the victims was a six-year-old girl, one of 11 females who died alongside the male driver in the horror crash on the mountainous R81 Munnik Road.
According to provincial government spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela, the premier, along with Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye and Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, will meet the grieving families at Pietersburg Hospital Recreational Hall to assist with the painful task of identifying the deceased.
Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said the cause of the crash is under investigation.
However, preliminary reports received from officers who rushed to the scene state:
“A Mercedes-Benz HMV truck with two attached trailers experienced brake failure and sideswiped a Mahindra LDV (bakkie). The truck then collided head-on with the rear of a Toyota minibus taxi and dragged it for about 150 metres until it crashed into another Mercedes-Benz HMV truck with a single trailer that was ahead.”
Traffic authorities confirmed there were no injuries in the two Mercedes-Benz HMV trucks or the Mahindra bakkie.
