Four people have been killed in a side-swipe collision between a bakkie and a sedan on the N4 toll road in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
The crash happened after midnight on Monday morning, near the Hendrina turn-off, according to Moeti Mmusi, Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.
“Three of the deceased were occupants in the light delivery vehicle, and this includes the driver. The fourth victim was a passenger in the sedan. The victims included an infant,” said Mmusi.
Two people were critically injured, and the driver of the sedan sustained serious injuries.
“The injured were rushed to the nearby Middelburg Hospital for further medical attention,” said Mmusi.
Earlier indications are that the light delivery vehicle, a Toyota Hilux double cab - after colliding with the sedan, overturned several times on the side of the road.
Both vehicles were reportedly travelling in the same direction.
Mmusi highlighted that the cause of the crash is not known at this stage and the investigation into the collision is already under way.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie has once more urged motorists to be cautious on the roads.
Macie has further advised motorists to avoid speeding, especially when visibility is reduced.
“Motorists must be on high alert at all times when they are on the road. When visibility is restricted, drivers must reduce speed. Those who are driving long distances should rest sufficiently along the way to avoid crashes brought on by fatigue,” said Macie.
Last month, IOL reported that five people were killed in an early morning crash when the car they were travelling in overturned and burst into flames on the D2945 Road between Mgobobodzi and Madadeni in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga.
At the time, authorities said a sixth person was critically injured.
“The cause of the accident is still unknown and under investigation,” the department said in a statement.
IOL