A devastating spike in road deaths has hit the Free State, casting a shadow over the festive season.
Image: IPSS Medical Rescue
As traffic volumes climb ahead of festive season, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has reported a sharp rise in road deaths in the Free State.
Free State police spokesperson, Captain Loraine Earle said a series of collisions over the past few days has claimed numerous lives, underscoring the dangers of the holiday period.
In one of the deadliest incidents, six people were killed near Harrismith on December 6, when a car collided with a truck on the N3 at around 8.54pm.
The driver of the car, a 49-year-old man, survived, but his wife, aged 32, and their four children aged 17, 14, nine, and one died at the scene. The truck driver also died.
In a fatal collision in Winburg on the same day, a 49-year-old police sergeant from Trompsburg died when his vehicle struck a stray animal on Fred Osborn Road.
On December 7, at around 4.10am, a pedestrian was struck and killed on the R64 near a liquor store in Spitskop. Two additional vehicles ran over the individual after the initial impact.
Later that day, at 4.30pm, a woman crossing the R34 in Memel was hit by a vehicle and died.
“In Zamdela a man was hit by a vehicle on the R82 near the Mooidraai informal settlement on December 7 at about 6.10pm, when he attempted to cross the road. He was taken to the hospital, where he died from the injuries he suffered,” said Earle.
“Three people died when two vehicles collided on the R30 between Allanridge and Odendaalsrus at about 8pm on December 7.”
The deadliest incident occurred on December 8, at around 6am on the N1 near Koppies when a taxi drove under a truck, killing ten passengers — three men and seven women. One passenger was critically injured, while the truck driver sustained minor injuries.
Another crash on the N6, about 10km from Bloemfontein, involved three vehicles and resulted in two deaths and a serious injury.
SAPS has opened culpable homicide cases for all the incidents.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, urged drivers to exercise caution during the holiday period.
“We understand that the festive season is a time for celebration, but it is also crucial to prioritise safety on the roads,” said Motswenyane.
"We appeal to all motorists to avoid reckless driving, adhere to speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, and take necessary breaks during long trips."
Law enforcement agencies are ramping up patrols, roadblocks, and other measures to improve road safety. Authorities are also encouraging the public to report dangerous driving and other violations.
IOL News
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