Three people have lost their lives while two sustained injuries after two vehicles collided on the R61 in Mthatha near Tabase on May 15.
Spokesperson for the Department of Transport, Unathi Binqose confirmed that the Isuzu double cab with five occupants travelling from Mthatha collided with a construction tipper truck. The driver of the tipper truck was travelling alone from Ngcobo side.
“Three men from the Isuzu double cab were trapped as both vehicles collided. The jaws of life were used to extricate the victims who were declared dead on the scene. All involved in the accident were men, including the driver of the bakkie,” said Binqose.
He confirmed that one victim from the Isuzu LDV sustained severe injuries while the other experienced minor injuries. The truck driver escaped unharmed.
Binqose said the injured were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha for further medical management.
“Reckless and negligent driving was the main contributing factor for the accident as the road was under construction and drivers were expected to adhere to the regulated speed,” said Binqose.
“A case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Mthatha Central Police Station for further investigation.”
