HARRISMITH – Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has expressed her deep sorrow over the horror accident on the N3 near Harrismith that claimed eight lives on Thursday, 30 October.
The Premier has made an urgent appeal to all road users to be vigilant on the roads, patient, and considerate to other road users.
The accident occurred on the N3 highway on the border of the Free State province and KwaZulu-Natal at approximately 04:00.
According to police reports, a minibus taxi carrying passengers crashed into the back of a truck, killing eight passengers instantly and injuring several others.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae reacted with shock and sadness to the news of the accident, announcing that she will be visiting the bereaved families in the coming days.
Festive season warning
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected families during this difficult time,” Premier Letsoha-Mathae said.
“The festive season is fast approaching, and unfortunately, that is the time that we see an increase in road carnages. We are concerned about the unnecessary loss of lives on our roads and we appeal to both pedestrians and drivers to always be vigilant.”
The Premier highlighted recent adverse weather conditions as an additional risk factor.
“We have experienced heavy downpours in various parts of the province in the past few days, and that will make roads slippery and vision obscured. We therefore need to be extra careful on the roads,” she said.
Government support mobilised
The Premier has mobilised necessary medical and psychosocial support for affected families through the government’s social cluster departments such as Social Development and Health.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and communities of the deceased. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured,” she said.
“Our appeal to all road users remains urgent: the weather conditions are treacherous, and the price of a moment’s lapse in concentration is far too high. Government therefore urges all road users to drive with extreme caution, reduce speed, and prioritise their safety and that of others on the road,” the Premier concluded.
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