Five people died, and seven were injured when a delivery van crashed on the R518 near Mokopane. The accident occurred at the Mosesetjane cross bridge in Limpopo's Waterberg district on Christmas Eve. A Hyundai light delivery vehicle lost control and collided with the concrete structure before overturning. Limpopo Transport MEC Violet Mathye expressed condolences to the affected families. Department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala cited wet weather as a contributing factor.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, where all five fatalities were male. The injured survivors were transported to area hospitals with conditions ranging from minor to critical. The crash forced a prolonged closure of the roadway, requiring significant traffic diversions for other travelers. Preliminary investigation points to possible driver error or vehicle failure exacerbated by heavy rain.
This incident reflects a broader pattern of hazardous holiday travel within the province. Separate collisions on the N1 highway and R71 route also resulted in fatalities the same day, with poor weather conditions a common thread. Authorities continue to urge drivers to reduce speed, maintain their vehicles, and exercise increased caution during the rainy festive season.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, where all five fatalities were male. The injured survivors were transported to area hospitals with conditions ranging from minor to critical. The crash forced a prolonged closure of the roadway, requiring significant traffic diversions for other travelers. Preliminary investigation points to possible driver error or vehicle failure exacerbated by heavy rain.
This incident reflects a broader pattern of hazardous holiday travel within the province. Separate collisions on the N1 highway and R71 route also resulted in fatalities the same day, with poor weather conditions a common thread. Authorities continue to urge drivers to reduce speed, maintain their vehicles, and exercise increased caution during the rainy festive season.
