“We wish to offer our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and friends on this tragic and untimely loss and we wish those who were injured on our roads in the past 24 hours a speedy recovery” said the MEC.

Nine people including foreign nationals were killed on the R74 between Harrismith and Qwaqwa following a head on collision between two vehicles. The deceased are seven adults and two children. They were all burnt beyond recognition.

Preliminary investigation reveals that one vehicle attempted to overtake and it then collided with on-coming vehicle and both vehicles caught fire. All occupants of the vehicles were declared dead on the scene.

“Our thoughts and prayer during this hour of bereavement reach out to families who lost loved ones our roads this past weekend and we call upon all drivers to always observe and obey road rules” MEC Mashinini said.

Statement supplied.