Six killed in Dullstroom road crash

Six people were killed and eight others seriously injured when a minibus taxi and a GWM sport utility vehicle (SUV) collided on the R540 near Dullstroom on Sunday afternoon.

According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the crash occurred at about 2pm and involved a T-bone-type collision. All six victims, who died at the scene, were passengers in the taxi.

The department said seven other taxi passengers and the SUV driver sustained serious injuries, while the taxi driver escaped with minor wounds.

The injured were taken to a hospital in Belfast for treatment. Department spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said the investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, expressed concern over the ongoing loss of lives on the province’s roads.

“We remain deeply concerned by the number of fatalities caused by road crashes that could be avoided with more responsible driving. Motorists should always be mindful that their mistakes while driving could be devastating not only for them but for other road users,” Macie said.

The cause of the crash is not yet known, and authorities have launched an investigation.

Macie said it was particularly disheartening that the province continues to record such incidents during October Transport Month, a period dedicated to promoting safe transport practices.

“This needs to change, and motorists are an integral part of making our roads safer,” he said.

Macie extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.