Authorities in the Free State are busy with the process of identifying the next-of-kin of the victims, who died in a horrific crash. 14 people died in a head-on collision between two minibus taxis on Saturday.
The crash occurred on the R57 between Reitz and Petrus Steyn in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Thirteen people died on the scene, including drivers of both vehicles. Four people, who were critically injured, were rushed to local hospitals. One of them died in hospital.
A minibus taxi was travelling from Pretoria to Fouriesburg, while the other one was from Ficksburg to Gauteng.
Free State police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele says the names of all deceased involved in the crash are unknown at this stage, including the whereabouts of their next-of-kin.
“The white VW Crafter with a Free State registration was on its way to Gauteng province from Ficksburg, had a male driver who died instantly on the scene. The second white vehicle was Toyota Quantum with a GP registration, which was from Pretoria to Fouriesburg carried 11 passengers and the driver also died instantly on the scene. Other four passengers were taken to Dihlabeng and Nketoana hospitals for medical treatment for sustaining serious injuries.”
Free State MEC for Police, Roads, and Transport, William Bulwane has conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased. Bulwane has also wished the three injured people, who are in hospitals, a speedy recovery.
Bulwane has urged road users to be extra vigilant over the festive season and take responsibility for their conduct on the road.
Police say a case of culpable homicide is being investigated.
Fatal Crash: R26 about 30km from Bethlehem to Fouriesburg.
2 Mini Buses & 1 LMV
Road Closed. @OFM9497 @_ArriveAlive @TrafficSA @LesediFM @meteo @Radio2000ZA @fs_health pic.twitter.com/CkytmQY1Wr
— Sipho Towa (@SiphoTowa) March 2, 2019
