S/Africa: Five men killed in horrific crash as truck overturns

By Mark Ogagan

Road accidents continue to claim more lives in South Africa even after the festive season frenzy.

Five people were killed on Monday night when an articulated truck, which was transporting wooden logs, overturned on R33 Road between Carolina and Warburton in Mpumalanga.

“The deceased are all males and they were passengers in the truck. The driver is among the three injured people who were rushed to the nearby Carolina Provincial Hospital for further medical attention,” according to Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga department of community safety, security and liaison.

In an update on Tuesday morning, Mmusi said the fifth person who succumbed to injuries from the crash was part of the three men who were rushed to the Carolina Provincial Hospital.

It is suspected that the driver may have lost control of the truck before the vehicle overturned.

Authorities said investigations into the crash are already underway.

On Monday night, Mmusi said the road was closed as paramedics and law enforcement officials were combing the scene.

“Motorists are urged to be patient because failure to do so may lead to secondary accidents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, has sent condolences to the bereaved families, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.