Wet weather takes its toll on region’s roads

The past week's drizzly weather conditions also took their toll on the region's roads and may have contributed to the death toll.

One such a horror crash occurred near the Albasini dam and claimed the life of a motorist. The driver, who was burnt beyond recognition, has yet to be identified. The incident took place on the Thohoyandou road, about 25km from Makhado (Louis Trichardt), last Thursday.

According to information supplied by the police, a bus travelling from Thohoyandou towards Makhado (Louis Trichardt) collided head-on with a red Mazda RX-8, travelling in the opposite direction. The Mazda caught fire on impact and the driver, who was trapped inside, burnt to death. The driver was alone in the vehicle.

Local police spokesperson W/O Takalani Madzhigili said the police were able to salvage a registration number from the Mazda’s wreck. The number, he said, was a foreign number, however, and cannot be traced on the South African system. Madzhigili further confirmed that the police are currently investigation a case of culpable homicide after it was alleged that the driver of the bus might have caused the accident.

On Wednesday, the day before this fatal accident, two people escaped death in an accident along the N1 north, near the Nzhelele turnoff. The driver allegedly did not see an oncoming truck and turned into the road, right in front of the truck. The driver and passenger, both women, were seriously injured, and had to be taken to hospital. The police were unable to confirm their recovery.

On Monday, another motorist also escaped certain death on the N1 north. A man, who did not want to be identified, lost control over his vehicle just before the Hendrik Verwoerd tunnels. He was on his way towards Makhado (Louis Trichardt) when he passed through the tunnels and lost control on a turn in the road.

The man’s vehicle veered across the N1, across the next lane, and smashed into the safety barrier. The impact of the crash caused his vehicle to become airborne. The vehicle flipped on its roof and landed on the edge of the gorge bordering that part of the N1. The man was treated by paramedics on the scene for minor cuts and bruises.

News - Date: 01 November 2013

Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

Email: [email protected]