By Johannah Malogadihlare
A collision involving a minibus taxi, a bakkie and a truck between Karino and Kamagugu Road in Mbombela, Mpumalanga on Monday, has left three people dead and more than 20 people injured
The minibus was transporting learners who were travelling to various schools around Mbombela.
Spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi, confirmed the number of deaths which included the driver and a passenger of the bakkie and a learner who was in the minibus.
“Twenty-seven people sustained injuries varying from slight to serious, and they were rushed to the nearby hospitals for treatment. The injured include the driver of the bus and twenty six learners,” Mmusi said.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting that driver negligence may have been a contributing factor.
The D2296 road between Karino and Mbombela has been temporarily closed because of the collision.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie sent condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“We cannot continue losing young innocent people on our roads due to recklessness. This must come to an end” Macie said.
Macie said there was concern over the number of lives lost during crashes, following last month’s collision between a bus transporting 30 pupils from Morelig Combined School and a train at the level of crossing.
INSIDE METROS