RIP | Four killed in horror Mpumalanga R541 head-on crash

An R541 collision in Mpumalanga between two vehicles has claimed four lives, including both drivers, and left a passenger fighting for her life.

The head-on crash happened between Lochiel and Badplaas on Sunday, 8 November.

Officials have now warned motorists about the conditions on the road, as the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Three men and a woman died at the scene. A female passenger suffered critical injuries and is receiving treatment at Embuleni Hospital.

What officials say about the R541 collision

Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said both drivers were among those killed.

“They all died at the scene of the crash.

“One female passenger sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the nearby hospital, Embuleni Hospital, for further treatment,” Mmusi said.

Officials have not yet established the cause of the crash.

An investigation is under way, and officials said they cannot rule out reckless and negligent driving at this stage.

Rain and roadworks: The road-safety warning

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie sent his condolences to the families of those who died and wished the injured passenger a speedy recovery.

He urged motorists to drive responsibly and to put their own lives, and those of other road users, first.

Macie said drivers must obey the rules of the road and adjust their driving to the conditions, including rain and construction on the road.

The R541 has a history of deadly crashes. In July 2017, 18 people were killed when a truck collided with two minibuses carrying mineworkers on the road between Machadodorp and Badplaas.

The victims of the latest crash have not yet been named.

Mpumalanga road tragedy prompts festive season warning

The crash comes as provinces gear up for the busy festive season, when traffic increases on routes across the country. Road safety officials are urging motorists to:

• slow down, especially in rain and around roadworks
• avoid overtaking where visibility is limited
• never drink and drive
• take regular breaks on long journeys.

Motorists can follow road-safety updates and report road incidents through Arrive Alive.

WHAT ROAD-SAFETY CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE BEFORE THE FESTIVE SEASON?