Eight people were killed in a motor vehicle accident on the N1, northbound towards Musina, just before Baobab Tollgate in Vhembe District, Limpopo on Saturday. The accident took place at around 05:00 in the morning, few hours after the province held a prayer on road accidents.

The accident is suspected to have happened when a minibus taxi overtook unsafely on a barrier line and collided head-on with a light delivery vehicle.

Five men and three women make up eight of those who lost their lives. Eight other people who sustained injuries were transported to nearby health facilities for medical attention.

Also read: Motor vehicle accident on N1 north near Ingwe Hotel

The road is still temporarily closed for emergency services to attend to the scene. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes or exercise patience if unable to change the route.

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani sends condolences to the families of the deceased.

“We are deeply saddened by the news and pray for the departed, and the families they leave behind. We also pray for the healing of those who sustained injuries in the accident.

EIGHT PEOPLE WERE SADLY KILLED NEAR MUSINA

We are heading to Easter long weekend, which will see a heightened presence of motor vehicles on our roads, as people will be travelling to different parts of the Province to spend time with their families.

Eight people killed in a motor vehicle accident on the N1 near Musina
Eight people killed in a motor vehicle accident on the N1 near Musina

While we anticipate this to be a period of joy and family reunions. Experience has taught us that there are some among us, who are reckless on the roads. Driver behaviour, which includes reckless driving, overtaking at unsafe spots, over-speeding. Overloading, and drunk driving, counts as the number one cause of road accidents and fatalities.

The responsibility for road safety lies with all of us as individual drivers. We are therefore continuing as a Department, to make a clarion call to motorists. To become a part of the road safety crusade, and be responsible road users at all times, for all to arrive alive,” said MEC Radzilani.