One of the vehicles involved in the N17 collision, which claimed the lives of eight people, including two minors | Photo: Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.
Eight people, including two minors, died in a head-on collision on the N17 toll road between Ermelo and Davel in the early hours of Sunday, 13 September.
According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the collision involved a Toyota sedan and a Volkswagen sedan near the Ermelo Toll Plaza at approximately 01:30.
Seven of the deceased were travelling in the Volkswagen, while the eighth victim was the driver and sole occupant of the Toyota. No other injuries were reported.
Debris scattered across the N17 following the fatal head-on collision near the Ermelo Toll Plaza in the early hours of Sunday, 13 September | Photo: Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.
The cause of the collision has not yet been determined and an investigation is underway. Authorities said reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this stage.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie urged motorists to exercise greater caution, particularly when road or weather conditions affect visibility.
“Motorists must obey the rules of the road and adjust their driving in line with prevailing weather and road conditions. Greater vigilance is a must, especially when visibility is affected,” Macie said.
He also extended his condolences to the families of those who died.