The scene of the accident.
Eight people, including two minors, were killed in a horrific head-on collision between a Toyota and a Volkswagen sedan on the N17 toll road between Ermelo and Davel, near the Ermelo Toll Plaza, in the early hours of Sunday, September 13.
The crash occurred at around 01:30.
According to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, seven of the deceased were occupants of the Volkswagen, while the eighth victim was the driver of the Toyota, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
“The deceased include two minors and six adults. Seven of the victims were occupants in the VW sedan, while the eighth victim was the driver of the Toyota sedan, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash. No further injuries were recorded,” said Mmusi.
The exact cause of the collision remains unknown at this stage. However, Mmusi said reckless and negligent driving could not be ruled out, and an investigation has already commenced.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant when travelling, particularly during conditions that may affect visibility.
“Motorists must obey the rules of the road and adjust their driving in line with prevailing weather and road conditions. Greater vigilance is a must, especially when visibility is affected,” Macie said.
Macie also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the crash.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by motorists travelling on Mpumalanga’s roads, with authorities continuing to call on drivers to obey traffic laws, avoid reckless behaviour and adapt their driving to road and weather conditions.
