At least 16 victims died in a horror crash near Groblersdal, Limpopo, on Friday morning.
Groblersdal horror crash: Here are the latest updates
As reported by News24, a large section of a busy interchange near Groblersdal was cordoned off for the most part of the day on Friday, after a multi-vehicle collision claimed the lives of 16 victims, including six pupils who were on a minibus to school.
In a statement, Limpopo transport department spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene confirmed the incident was first reported shortly after 07:00.
Preliminary evidence collected thus far suggests that the Groblersdal horror crash may have been caused by human error.
“The accident is suspected to have happened when a minibus taxi collided head-on with a truck and another minibus taxi after overtaking unsafely. Law enforcement officers at the scene cite reckless driving as a possible cause of the crash,” Chuene explained.
Tragically, any hopes of getting further clarity on the actual cause of the fatal crash were dashed when it was discovered that “the drivers of the two taxis and six learners are among the [16] who have died.”
Reacting to the horror crash, Limpopo’s transport MEC Florence Radzilani expressed her deep concern about the escalating road accidents that, for the most part, are linked to poor driver behaviour.
“These accidents are an indication that something is very wrong when it comes to driver behaviour, as these crashes are caused by reckless driving in most instances.
“We continue to plead with motorists to obey the rules of the road at all times and to ensure that their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition before they embark on their trips,” she said.
On the same day, and not too far away from the Groblersdal horror crash, at least three victims died in a tragic collision on the R71 highway, near Mankweng.