Five people died, three are in critical condition and three sustained minor injuries following a four-vehicle collision on the N3 between the Frankfort and Vrede interchange near the Wilge toll plaza on Tuesday.
Free State department of police, roads and transport spokesperson Hillary Mophethe said it is alleged a Nissan Almera was trying to overtake a taxi in the fast lane when it hit the taxi from behind on a corner.
The driver of the sedan lost control of the vehicle and crashed head-on into an Audi travelling in the opposite direction. A Ford Ranger also collided with the Almera.
“It is reported four people died on the scene and one was declared dead at the hospital. Six people were injured,” she said.
“Those who were critically injured were rushed to the Frankfort Hospital,” she said.
MEC of the department William Bulwane sent condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“Traffic volumes are expected to rise over the next few days as motorists return to their places of work and schools reopen on January 11.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution, make sure their vehicles are roadworthy and drive with minimum speed because speed kills. Road users are encouraged to obey the rules and regulations of the road at all times. Road safety is every person's responsibility. Losing one life on our roads is one too many,” said Bulwane.
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Five people die in multiple vehicle crash on N3 in Free State
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Five people died, three are in critical condition and three sustained minor injuries following a four-vehicle collision on the N3 between the Frankfort and Vrede interchange near the Wilge toll plaza on Tuesday.
Free State department of police, roads and transport spokesperson Hillary Mophethe said it is alleged a Nissan Almera was trying to overtake a taxi in the fast lane when it hit the taxi from behind on a corner.
The driver of the sedan lost control of the vehicle and crashed head-on into an Audi travelling in the opposite direction. A Ford Ranger also collided with the Almera.
“It is reported four people died on the scene and one was declared dead at the hospital. Six people were injured,” she said.
“Those who were critically injured were rushed to the Frankfort Hospital,” she said.
MEC of the department William Bulwane sent condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“Traffic volumes are expected to rise over the next few days as motorists return to their places of work and schools reopen on January 11.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution, make sure their vehicles are roadworthy and drive with minimum speed because speed kills. Road users are encouraged to obey the rules and regulations of the road at all times. Road safety is every person's responsibility. Losing one life on our roads is one too many,” said Bulwane.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
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