A tragic road accident on the N12 between Ogies and eMahlahleni in Mpumalanga claimed the lives of seven people in the early hours of Monday morning, leaving families shattered and authorities alarmed by the increasing number of deadly crashes during the festive season. The collision, described as one of the most horrific in recent weeks, involved a sedan and a van that smashed into each other after one of the vehicles reportedly lost control.
According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the crash occurred when one of the vehicles veered out of its lane and crossed into oncoming traffic. Provincial spokesperson Moeti Mmusi confirmed that five of the victims were travelling in the sedan, while the other two were occupants of the van. Emergency personnel who arrived at the scene found both vehicles extensively damaged, with debris scattered across the roadway, indicating the high impact of the collision.
Mmusi explained that early indications suggest speed may have played a significant role. “One of the vehicles seemingly lost control and veered completely off the road before crossing into the opposite lane. This seems to suggest that one of the vehicles must have been moving at high speed,” he said. His remarks highlight ongoing concerns about reckless driving, especially on major routes that experience high traffic volumes during holiday periods.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, as the number of accidents continues to rise despite ongoing road safety campaigns. Mmusi emphasised that drivers must remain vigilant, obey speed limits, and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy. He added that fatigue, distracted driving, and speeding remain some of the leading contributors to fatal crashes on the province’s highways.
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Police, together with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Accident reconstruction specialists are examining skid marks, vehicle positions, road conditions, and other evidence to establish what transpired in the moments leading up to the deadly impact. The outcome of the investigation will guide possible charges or further safety interventions.
Local residents who frequently use the N12 route between Ogies and eMahlahleni have expressed concern over the increasing number of fatal accidents in the area. Many say that reckless overtaking and speeding on the long stretch of road are common, especially during peak travel periods. They have called for increased law enforcement visibility and more stringent road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident has also reignited calls for stricter policing of major national routes and improved public education on safe driving habits. Road safety organisations have reminded motorists that a single moment of negligence can cost multiple lives, urging South Africans to prioritise caution and responsibility.
As families mourn the sudden loss of their loved ones, authorities stress that preventing further tragedies requires a collective effort from all road users. With the festive season in full swing, safety officials warn that the next few weeks will require even greater vigilance on the roads.
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