Department of Roads and Transport spokesperson Hillary Mophete says a vehicle was travelling southbound and five other vehicles traveling north when the head-on collision occurred.

Mophete says three other people were seriously injured and have been taken to hospital.

“It is alleged that the Jetta lost control; veered to the northbound and collided with all five vehicles. All occupants of the Polo Vivo and 4 others from the Jetta lost their lives. A total of eight people died on the scene. One female and seven males died while three people escaped the crash with serious injuries while one escaped with minor injuries. The case is still under investigation with relevant  law enforcement agencies.”

Meanwhile, Motorists in Kestell and Bethlehem in the Free State have been urged to be cautious when travelling on a low water bridge towards S176 road. Coordinator of the Thabo Mofutsanyana Disaster Team Sthembiso Mthombeni has appealed to motorists not to speed while driving through the bridge.

“There is a bridge in that road S176 we also like to caution motorists who will be using the road when they approach the bridge to slow down. It’s still movable but should the rain continue it will be dangerous for people to move in the area. So we request everyone in Thabo Mofutsanyana that it is still raining that they must stay in their houses and be safe.”

SABC