The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution after 19 people were killed in separate major road accidents.

In a statement issued today, 1 June, the RTMC urged drivers to be extra cautious at night and in the early hours of the morning.

The fatal crashes took place in Gauteng, North West and Limpopo, and involved a series of serious collisions including rear-end and head-on crashes.

Lives lost in widespread incidents

In Gauteng, five people lost their lives when a bakkie crashed into the back of a hatchback on Old Randfontein Road in Kagiso, near Mogale City, at around 03:00.

The RTMC said all the deceased were travelling in the hatchback, while the driver of the bakkie escaped injury.

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In North West, nine people were killed on Thursday night when a minibus and a truck collided at the intersection of the R500 and R42 in Buffelshoek.

According to the statement, the minibus – which was towing a trailer and carrying 13 passengers – was involved in a crash that resulted in the death of six men, a woman and child at the scene, while another person later died in hospital.

In Limpopo, five people died on Friday in a head-on collision on the N1 near Nyl Plaza involving a truck and a minibus.

The RTMC said it is alleged that “the minibus traversed the median and went into the direction in which the truck was travelling,” leading to the crash.

Investigations continue

The corporation said it was investigating all possible contributory factors that may have led to the incidents.

It also warned motorists to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and to be mindful of winter driving conditions, including slippery roads, fog and reduced visibility.

Motorists were further advised to reduce speed, increase following distance (up to three times the normal distance), avoid sudden braking or steering and to ensure their vehicles are maintained and roadworthy.

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