In a devastating incident on Saturday evening, six men lost their lives following a head-on collision between a light delivery vehicle (LDV) and a light motor vehicle (LMV) on the R40 at Violent Bank in Bushbuckridge. The crash, which occurred around 19:30, resulted in the deaths of four LMV occupants and a passenger in the LDV. Additionally, a pedestrian, who was struck by the LDV prior to the collision, succumbed to injuries while being transported to a nearby hospital.

Five of the victims died at the scene. The LDV driver, critically injured, lost control of the vehicle post-collision, leading to a subsequent crash with a minibus taxi. Several passengers in the minibus taxi sustained injuries, ranging from minor to severe, and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Acting MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, Ms. Busisiwe Shiba, expressed deep regret over the incident, highlighting the profound impact such tragedies have on families. She urged motorists to exercise heightened caution on the roads to prevent future accidents.

“We are deeply saddened by the continual occurrence of fatal crashes on our roads. Motorists must assist in curbing these unnecessary losses by adhering to traffic rules and driving cautiously. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and it is imperative that everyone contributes to making our roads safer,” stated Shiba.

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the need for vigilance among all road users.