According to a statement issued by the provincial police yesterday, one minor and two adults said to have been travelling in the one vehicle, were declared dead on the scene while one female victim, said to have been the driver of the second vehicle that was involved in the accident, died yesterday at a hospital in Bethlehem.

The only survivor from the collision, an adult male, is currently being treated for serious injuries at the Thebe Hospital in Harrismith.

The police in the region have also expressed their sadness on the fatal accident, which comes days after Transport Minister, Blade Nzimande, announced the Easter weekend fatality stats.

Bethlehem’s Cluster Commander, Jan Tsotetsi, said he is saddened by the deaths caused by this accident and urged motorist to obey road rules and avoid driving with high speeds and ensure that they rest every two hours.

Tsotetsi’s plea comes just two days after Transport Minister Blade Nzimande announced a 48% decrease in the number of road fatalities during this year's Easter period.

According to the preliminary report, 162 people died on the country's roads during the Easter period, compared to 309 in 2018. The report covers the period from April 18 to April 22. The report also stated that all provinces recorded decreases in fatalities, with the Free State having the second lowest number of fatalities during that period as only four road deaths were reported.

There was also a 46% decrease in the number of recorded crashes. 128 crashes were reported this year, compared to the 238 crashes recorded in 2018.

OFM News