By Staff Reporter
GRAVELLOTE – An unconfirmed number of people, believed to be at least five, tragically lost their lives after a red Volkswagen Polo plunged off a bridge and caught fire along the R71 road near the JCI mine outside Gravellote.
The horrific incident occurred earlier today, with eyewitnesses reporting that the vehicle, allegedly travelling from Phalaborwa and heading toward Gravellote, veered off the bridge and landed below before bursting into flames. Some of the deceased are suspected to have been hitchhikers.
passing by the area spotted the burning vehicle and began taking videos, which have since circulated on social media to alert the community. Families have been urged to check on their loved ones who may have been travelling along that route.
According to reports, several passengers had reportedly disembarked at a known hiking spot before the vehicle continued its journey. The exact number of occupants and identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene and worked to extinguish the fire and recover remains from the wreckage. The scene was described as “dire” by those who arrived early, with the car burnt almost beyond recognition.
Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to confirm the number and identities of the victims.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.
