Two children among eight killed in N17 head-on crash in Mpumalanga

A deadly head-on crash near the Ermelo Toll Plaza has claimed eight lives, with seven victims travelling in one vehicle and the Toyota driver the sole occupant of the other.

Eight people, including two children, were killed in a horrific crash on the N17 toll road near Ermelo in Mpumalanga in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The head-on collision involved a Toyota and a Volkswagen and reportedly happened at around 1:30 am.

Mpumalanga Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said the deceased included two minors and six adults.

“Seven of the victims were occupants in the VW sedan, while the eighth victim was the driver of the Toyota sedan, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash. No further injuries were recorded.”

He said the cause of the crash was unknown at this point, but reckless and negligent driving could not be ruled out.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie urged motorists to exercise greater caution on the road.

"Motorists must obey the rules of the road and adjust their driving in line with prevailing weather and road conditions. Greater vigilance is a must, especially when visibility is affected," Macie stated.

Last month, four people were confirmed dead in an accident on the N4 toll road in Mpumalanga involving a truck and a minibus taxi.

At the time, Mmusi said the crash occurred when a truck collided with the rear of a minibus taxi towing a trailer.

"According to preliminary reports, the truck driver seemingly lost control, swerved into the oncoming lane, and collided with another minibus taxi travelling from the direction of Mbombela."

He confirmed that three of the deceased were occupants of the minibus taxi travelling from Mbombela.

"They were burned beyond recognition after the minibus caught fire on impact.“

He said the fourth victim was found on the road, and it was not yet clear which vehicle the person was travelling in.