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17 killed in head-on collision between bus and SUV on N1 near Mookgophong off-ramp in Limpopo
17 people were killed and eight others were injured in a head-on collision involving a 22-seater bus and Toyota SUV on the N1 near Mookgophong off-ramp in Limpopo on Tuesday, 11 January 2022. Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson, Mike Maringa, said it is alleged the driver of the Toyota SUV lost control of the vehicle due to a burst tyre and collided head-on with the 22-seater Mercedes-Benz bus shortly after 17h00. “The bus burst into flames and the 16 occupants trapped inside, including the driver, were burnt to death, some burnt beyond recognition. The driver of the SUV was killed on impact. Eight people survived. Six are seriously injured and two escaped with minor injuries.”
Maringa said the taxi was overloaded as it had 25 people on board. The taxi left Pretoria's Bosman taxi rank carrying passengers going to Mokopane and Modimolle. The stretch of road near the Mookgophong on-ramp from the Polokwane side is largely flat with two lanes in each direction; it only gets steep on the southern side of the small town before going downhill. Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, together with Transport and Community Safety MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya led the team of experts as they initiated the identification processes of the remains of the 17 people who died. The victims were burnt beyond recognition. The two MECs met families of the deceased as part of the support Government is providing, which includes amongst others the DNA process that they need to undertake to identify the bodies, psychological services and Road Accident Fund claims towards the burial. Sources: Limpopo Department of Health (Bophelong), The Sowetan, Arrive Alive |
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