HARRISMITH – A tragic head-on collision on the R712 road in the Eastern Free State claimed the lives of seven people, while one person survived with injuries on Saturday night, 23 May.
Sipho Towa, provincial spokesperson for the Free State Road Incident Management (RIMS), said the deceased were six men and one woman who died in a collision involving a light delivery vehicle and a light motor vehicle between Harrismith and Qwaqwa.
“They were declared dead at the scene by Emergency Services and law enforcement agency personnel who responded to the gruesome head-on collision,” said Towa.
He said the survivor was transported to Thebe Hospital in Harrismith for medical treatment after sustaining moderate injuries. Towa said the road was closed temporarily for clearing and for SAPS Crash Investigation Unit to investigate.
The fatal collision reportedly occurred at approximately 23:20 near the Sterkfontein Dam. The circumstances surrounding it are part of an investigation by police.
“The Free State Road Incident Management System (RIMS) extends condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. We urge all road users to exercise caution, obey speed limits and ensure vehicles are roadworthy. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Towa.
The identities of the seven victims are yet to be released.
