N12 carnage claims 12 lives in two separate crashes

Twelve people, including a baby, were killed in two horrific head-on crashes on the N12 on Saturday, raising alarm as festive season travel gets under way. Seven people died when an SUV and a light delivery vehicle collided head-on between Kimberley and Warrenton in the Northern Cape. Both vehicles caught fire and were completely burnt out.

In a separate incident near Fochville in Gauteng, five people lost their lives after two vehicles also collided head-on on the N12. Three victims were declared dead at the scene, while two others later died in hospital.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane said the tragedies were a stark reminder of the dangers on the country’s roads during peak travel periods. “The RTMC reiterates a call for motorists to exercise caution on the roads this festive season,” Zwane said.

He added that the causes of the crashes were still being investigated. “The RTMC crash investigation unit is working with the police to probe factors that may have contributed to these fatal crashes,” Zwane said.

Motorists travelling long distances were urged to take regular rest stops, reduce speed and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.