Shongwe visits accident survivors and bereaved families
06 June 2011
Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has visited the last three survivours of an N2 severe accident at Piet Retief Hospital which occurred last night.
The number of deaths increased last night from seven to 11 this morning after four more critically injured people died in the ambulance and at hospital.
Accompanied by the local chief and Mkhondo Municipality officials, Shongwe conveyed his condolences saying it was unfortunate that they were involved in an accident while they came from church.
It is assumed that a double cab Toyota bakkie travelling to Pretoria attempted to overtake another vehicle and crashed on a head-on collision with a Toyota Venture carrying church members who were returning from Driefontein. It is expected that after concluding the investigation, SAPS will communicate the cause of the accident.
Seven people died from the impact and four others died later.
Of the 11 people, nine were in the venture and lived in Piet Retief while the two were from Soshanguve in Pretoria. Among the decease were three children from the same family.
While visiting the families of the bereaved, Shongwe said he saw the fatal accident last night and it should be declared a disaster by the provincial and the local municipality.
“We will have to monitor this road as a matter of urgency. We cannot turn a blind eye when such accidents kill innocent people. We have to stand up, we cannot fold our arms, this tragedy is like a gun that has just shot a bullet,” said MEC Shongwe.
MEC visited all bereaved families and was told that at Shongwe family, the son who died was a breadwinner who was responsible for his wife who lived with disability and their child.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: (013) 766 – 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
