- On Thursday, October 24, 2024, a devastating head-on collision occurred on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Mbombela in Mpumalanga, claiming the lives of five individuals. The accident involved a light delivery vehicle (LDV) and a truck. All five deceased were occupants of the LDV, while the truck driver escaped unharmed.
According to Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), one passenger from the LDV sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital in Mbombela for treatment. citeturn0search1 The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.
In response to the tragedy, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, urged motorists to exercise greater caution on the roads. He emphasized that over 80% of road accidents are attributed to human behavior, highlighting the critical role drivers play in ensuring road safety.
This incident adds to a series of fatal accidents on the N4 in recent months. On February 10, 2025, four individuals lost their lives in a fiery crash involving two sedans and a bakkie near Mbombela. The victims were burnt beyond recognition when their vehicle caught fire upon impact.
Earlier, on January 1, 2025, seven people, including a toddler, died in a head-on collision between two sedans on the N4 between Belfast and Wonderfontein. Preliminary reports suggest that one vehicle lost control and veered into oncoming traffic.
These repeated tragedies underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness and adherence to traffic regulations. Authorities continue to investigate the causes of these accidents and are calling on all road users to prioritize safety to prevent further loss of life.