Ten People have sadly passed away in a horrifying accident involving a truck and a taxi on the N1 highway in Koppies, Free State, on Sunday, 8 December.
According to authorities, the major crash occurred at approximately 04:40, about 20 km from Koppies, in the direction of Kroonstad.
Provincial Spokesman for Emergency Services, Sipho Towa, said a white truck and a Toyota Quantum were involved in the crash.
“Ten people were declared dead by emergency officials on the scene, while one person sustained serious injuries.”
“The Scania truck with two trailers was travelling north on the N1 when the crash occurred. The cause of the crash will be subject to the ongoing investigation,” he said.
Towa confirmed that the dead people include seven women and three men. The taxi was travelling from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape.
The number of road fatalities in the Free State has increased to 16, sparking widespread concern and outrage over the alarming rise in road accidents this weekend.
This latest crash has left authorities and emergency services scrambling to respond to the crisis, while families and loved ones mourn their dear ones.
As the death toll continues to rise, calls for urgent action to address the root causes of these accidents and improve road safety are growing louder.
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson, Simon Zwane, sent a stern warning to taxi and truck drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
RTMC urged drivers of public transport and heavy vehicles to be mindful of fatigue levels and ensure they get sufficient rest.
“Driver fatigue is a major contributor to road accidents, and it’s imperative that drivers prioritise their safety and the safety of their passengers by taking regular breaks and getting enough rest,” he said.
