By Alicia Mmashakana
The Limpopo Provincial Government is collaborating with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to identify the victims of the accident that tragically claimed 13 lives on the R40 road near Kapama in Hoedspruit, Mopani district.
The victims lost their lives on Saturday when a Toyota Quantum and a Ford Ranger collided on the R40 road near Kapama in Hoedspruit.
“This is a heart-breaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating accident,” Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba said on Monday.
“As we mourn, we also call for vigilance on our roads to prevent further loss of life.”
According to police, the Toyota Quantum, which was carrying nine passengers along with the driver, was involved in a head-on collision with the Ford Ranger, which had five occupants.
All 10victims in the Quantum who died on the scene were believed to be from Mpumalanga Province.
Three passengers from the Ford Ranger also lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
In response to this tragedy, the Limpopo Provincial Government has established a team comprising officials from the Department of Health and the Department of Transport and Community Safety.
The team will work closely with officials from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to facilitate the identification process and conduct DNA tests to ensure a dignified handover of the deceased to their families.
The task team is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, to commence the identification process.
Ramathuba has commended the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, and her team for their swift response following the accident.
She further extended her sympathies to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, as some of the deceased were from the neighbouring province.
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