The death toll from a devastating head-on collision involving a sedan and an articulated lorry on the R23 between Perdekop and Standerton in Mpumalanga has risen to five after the only surviving passenger died in hospital.
The crash occurred on Monday when, according to preliminary reports, the lorry was travelling from Standerton while the sedan was travelling from Perdekop. The two vehicles collided head-on on the busy route.
Initially, the sedan driver and three passengers were declared dead at the scene. A fifth occupant was rushed to Standerton Provincial Hospital with serious injuries but later succumbed to those injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to five.
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said the exact circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. However, early indications suggest that dangerous overtaking may have contributed to the collision.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“The number of fatal crashes on the R23 is a huge concern for the province. This stretch of road is becoming another death trap, and it means we must do more to enforce the law on the R23 and other problematic routes. Motorists must also play their part by driving safely and obeying the rules of the road,” Macie said.
The MEC urged law enforcement authorities to take firm action against reckless driving and called on motorists to exercise greater caution, particularly on the R23, which has become associated with a number of serious accidents.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision as concerns grow over road safety and the rising number of fatal crashes in the region.
