17 people perish in bus accident
The Minister of Transport, Mr Fikile Mbalula has learned with alarm and sadness of a head-on collision that claimed 17 lives and injured 8 on the N1 near Mookgophong, Limpopo. The Minister joins the Limpopo MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya in conveying his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes of speedy recovery to the injured.
The bus driver lost his life along with the passengers due to the bus catching fire that entrapped them inside immediately after impact. The driver of the SUV was also killed on impact.
“This is a horrific incident which brings an immediate sense of alarm. Losing so many people in one instance while they are trapped in a burning bus are visuals no one wants to imagine. This is the reality we are constantly confronted with as we put every measure feasible to make our roads safer. Such measures extend to ensuring that vehicles are in a good state of repair and that we conduct ourselves in a manner that saves life and limb on the road. As I convey my heartfelt condolence to these families, I do with a heavy heart. Young lives pruned at the prime of their lives is a devastating loss to the country. I also wish speedy recovery to those who survived and are recuperating. We will continue to intensify measures to make our roads safe and ensure severe penalties to those who violate the rules with impunity,” Minister Mbalula said.
