Grim weekend on North West roads

2012-12-24 07:36

(File) (Shutterstock)

Mahikeng - Fifteen people died in three separate accidents on roads in the North West over the weekend, the provincial department of human settlements, public safety and liaison said on Sunday.

"According to traffic officials all three fatal accidents were head-on collisions and speed and drunken driving are said to be the contributing factors that lead to the three incidents," said spokesperson Simon Lesolang Mmope.

"According to reports, nine people were killed following the head-on collision while travelling in a bakkie and a sedan between Koster and Lichtenburg on Friday evening."

Traffic officials reported that three of the nine killed in the accident were burned beyond recognition.

One passenger escaped with serious injuries. Police were still investigating.

Drunken driving

Meanwhile, a father and a daughter were killed in a head-on collision between Koster and Rustenburg on the R52.

"According to police the accident happened when another car was overtaking," Mmope said.

"The driver of another vehicle has since been arrested and was charged for drunken driving. The accident happened around 03:00 in the early hours of Saturday morning."

The other accident took place on the N12 between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom.

A car reportedly crashed into a truck, resulting in the deaths of four people.

Police were investigating.

"Traffic officials also reported that about eight pedestrians have been killed on the provincial roads."

Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison MEC Nono Maloyi appealed to motorists to be extra careful on the roads.

"Despite our efforts as government to put extra measures on our roads, we are calling on motorists to be responsible and partner with us in reducing road death,” said Maloyi.

- SAPA