A minibus collided with a light delivery truck on the R26, approximately 4 km from Van Stadensrus on the road to Zastron. Two people died and several others were injured in the accident that occurred at around 02:00 on Monday (10/11).

One patient was declared dead on the scene. Seven people were critically injured, four moderately, and five slightly, said Free State road incident management systems chairperson Sipho Towa.

Two people were killed in the accident on Monday in the early morning hours on the R26 just outside of Vanstadensrus. Photo supplied            

The jaws of life were used to extricate approximately five entrapped passengers. Patients were transported to Embekweni hospital in Zastron and to Pelonomi in Bloemfontein. Another patient – among those taken to Embekweni – succumbed to their injuries, added Towa.

On Saturday, three children lost their lives while travelling on the R76 near Viljoenskroon. It’s understood the vehicle they were travelling in was returning to Sasolburg from a church service in Kroonstad when it overturned.

Just days earlier, five early childhood development practitioners were among eight people who died in an accident on the N3 near Harrismith.

Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said the provincial government remains committed to improving road safety through infrastructure development across all districts. 

She also appealed to road users to obey the rules of the road and to exercise caution and patience.

“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.”

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs