Eight passengers, including early childhood development employees, died instantly on the N3 highway on the border of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal at approximately 04:00 on Thursday (30/10). According to reports, a minibus taxi crashed into the back of a truck, leaving several others injured.

Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae reacted with shock and sadness to the news of the accident, making an appeal to road users to obey the rules of the road and to exercise caution and patience. She intended to visit the bereaved families in the coming days.

“I have learnt with absolute sadness and shock about the passing away of eight people in a terrible accident on the N3 highway. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected families during this difficult time.

“The festive season is fast approaching, and unfortunately, it’s a time when we see a rise in road carnage. My appeal to all road users is to remain vigilant, exercise patience, and show consideration for others on the road.”

Her government was concerned about the unnecessary loss of lives in the province, she added. “We appeal to both pedestrians and drivers to always be vigilant.

“We have experienced heavy downpours in various parts of the province in the past few days, and that will make roads slippery and vision obscured. We therefore need to be extra careful on the roads.

“The weather conditions are treacherous, and the price of a moment’s lapse in concentration is far too high. Government therefore urges all road users to drive with extreme caution, reduce their speed, and prioritise their safety and that of others on the road.”

The provincial government has mobilised medical and psychosocial support for affected families through its social cluster departments, including social development and health.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and communities of the deceased. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured.”

The Free State education department also expressed shock and sent condolences to the families, colleagues, and the entire ECD community affected by this “devastating incident”.

The department was expected to release further details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs