By Staff Reporter
MOKOPANE — Five people lost their lives in a horrific crash on the R518 at the Mosesetjane crossing, on the outskirts of Mokopane, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has confirmed.
According to departmental spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala, the accident also left several people injured. Two sustained serious injuries, four were critically injured, while one person suffered minor injuries.
“A major crash accident has occurred on the R518 Mosesetjane crossing, resulting in five fatalities, with two people seriously injured, four people critically injured and one person sustaining minor injuries,” Taueatsoala said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a Hyundai light delivery vehicle lost control before crashing into a bridge. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.
As a result of the crash, the R518 between Mokopane and Marken was temporarily closed to allow emergency services to attend to the scene and clear debris. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes and to exercise extreme caution.
“Motorists are urged to plan alternative routes and follow instructions from traffic officials,” Taueatsoala added, noting that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
The Mogalakwena Local Municipality also confirmed that emergency and medical teams were dispatched to the scene following what it described as chaotic conditions on the R518, also known as Marken Road.
Motorists travelling in the area have been urged to reduce speed and cooperate with traffic officers and emergency personnel. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
