With the Christmas weekend fast approaching, KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka has urged motorists and road users to adjust their driving and be extra cautious to prevent the loss of lives.
\nThe call follows two major crashes that took place in the province, leaving 12 people dead over the weekend.
\nThe department reported that the first accident involving a minibus taxi and a truck, happened at the Bergville intersection on the N3.
\nSeven people were killed, while other occupants sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital.
\n\u201cPreliminary reports suggest that a minibus driver lost control and veered towards the direction of a truck,\u201d Hlomuka said.
\nIn a separate accident, five people lost their lives on the N2 when a Toyota Fortuner collided with an Opel Corsa near Galleria Mall at Amanzimtoti. A team of forensic investigators is currently investigating the possible causes of both accidents.
\n\u201cThe investigation will also look [into] driver behaviour, roadworthiness of the vehicles, vehicle licences, and drivers\u2019 licences. The torrential weather could not be ruled out in some of the two accidents, however, the Department of Transport has appealed to road users to adjust their driving and be extra cautious,\u201d Hlomuka said.
\nAs part of the plan for the long weekend, the department embarked on many proactive plans to reduce the levels of crashes, and \u201cit is unacceptable that 12 people lost their lives on the road.\u201d
\nThe MEC has extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
\n\u201cAs we are approaching the Christmas weekend, we will improve deployment of traffic police in strategic areas and we also appeal to road users to work with us,\u201d Hlomuka said.
\nEmergency numbers to call when you need assistance:
\n\u2022\tPolice 10111
\n\u2022\tFire 10177
\n\u2022\tAmbulance 10177
\n\u2022\tArrive Alive Call Centre 0861 400 800
\n\u2022\tEmer-G-Med 0861 007 911
\n\u2022\tAccident & Breakdown Towing 0860 911 326
\n\u2022\tNetcare 911 082 911
\n\u2022\tER24 084 124<\/p>\n
Source: South African Government News Agency<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"