North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson Lucas Mothibedi said three people were injured and taken to Zeerust Hospital, with one in critical condition.

“According to preliminary investigations, a private vehicle traveling from Zeerust collided with a minibus taxi that was traveling in the opposite direction. Both vehicles caught fire on collision,” Mothibedi said.

The MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management in the province, Sello Lehari, sent messages of condolence to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. Lehari also appealed to motorists to always obey traffic laws, to take breaks during long trips and to inspect their vehicles for roadworthiness.

According to the festive season road fatality statistics for 2023/2024 released this week, the province had 2.1% fewer traffic deaths compared to the same period last year. The statistics also note that 80.8% of traffic accidents were caused by human error, 10.4% by weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and storms, and 8.8% because of vehicle failure.

OFM News previously reported on a head-on collision on the R504 between Leeudoringstad and Makwassi, where five people died when a heavy motor vehicle and a sedan collided.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng