A devastating car accident on Saturday, 10 May, claimed the lives of five individuals when a Volkswagen Polo veered off the R71 road near the JCI Mine in Phalaborwa, Limpopo. The tragic event sent shockwaves through the community and prompted renewed calls for road safety awareness.
According to eyewitness accounts, the VW Polo lost control and plunged off a bridge, catching fire upon impact. The blaze was so intense that all five occupants were burned beyond recognition. Preliminary observations suggest that a tyre puncture may have been the cause, although authorities are awaiting a formal investigation to confirm the exact circumstances.
Tshifhiwa Dali, spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, stated that early reports point to a possible tyre burst leading to the loss of control. “The vehicle then caught fire, resulting in the death of all those inside. Some of the passengers are believed to have been hitchhikers, which complicates identification efforts,” Dali said.
The scene left onlookers horrified, with charred remains of the vehicle serving as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the dangers present on South Africa’s roads. Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to save the victims due to the intensity of the fire.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, expressed her sorrow and urged motorists to take extra caution. “On behalf of the department and the people of Limpopo, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” she said. “We had just celebrated a fatality-free weekend on the N1 highway, and this loss is a heartbreaking setback. We must strive to replicate that safety across all routes.”
The tragic crash comes amid growing concerns over road safety in Limpopo, particularly on routes that have seen a history of accidents. Community members have called for increased maintenance, including regular inspections of road surfaces and improved signage to prevent similar tragedies.
While authorities continue their investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, the event has reignited discussions about the risks of hitchhiking and the importance of vehicle maintenance. Experts advise regular tyre checks, especially before long-distance travel, to avoid potential mechanical failures.
As the families await the identification of their loved ones, the community mourns the loss of five lives in what is now considered one of the region’s most harrowing road incidents in recent months.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement to uncover the full details behind the fatal incident, and officials have reiterated their commitment to promoting safer roads for all South Africans.