Lerato Mbhiza
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on road users to adhere to the traffic laws and to prioritise safety while traveling.
This comes after the tragic loss of 22 lives in a major collision on the D2692 Venetia Road between Musina and De Beers mine in the Vhembe area, Limpopo Province on Sunday. Four people were hospitalised after the incident when a bus and a truck collided.
Chikunga said reports received thus far indicate that the crash involved a bus transporting mine workers from Venetia Mine and a truck on the R572 road towards Musina.
It is alleged that the bus and the truck collided head on resulting in both vehicles catching alight. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation at this point with crash reconstruction and investigation teams and law enforcement officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the South African Police Service and provincial investigation teams dispatched to the scene, Chikunga said.
Chikunga extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the individuals who tragically lost their lives and those who were injured in this devastating incident.
“Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this very difficult time of great grief and sorrow.
“We don’t have enough to express our shock and sadness at this horrific incident. The loss of so many lives and injuries among the working class leaves a permanent telling blow on the socio-economic well-being of the country and families and loved ones lose breadwinners and are torn apart when such tragedy strikes,” said Chikunga in a statement late on Monday.
Tthe process of identifying victims of the Musina bus accident is underway and the community has been urged to help identify the bodies of their loved ones who may have been involved in the horrific crash.
De Beers Venetia Mine and Murray & Roberts have set up an emergency call centre through which family members and friends can make contact with the mine.
“If you believe you can contribute to positive identification of those employees who were on the bus traveling to the mine yesterday, or you’re concerned about a family member who would’ve been on the bus, please contact 015 575 2524 or 015 575 2906”, said De Beers Venetia Mine and Murray & Roberts.
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