Seven people killed when two cars catch fire in accident

On Sunday, 26 February, seven people were tragically killed in a car accident on D1399 Loskop road, next to Maranata Lodge in Sekhukhune District.

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Cars lose control and catch fire during accident

The accident is thought to have occurred when a Volkswagen hatchback collided with a Toyota Avanza on the side.

Both cars lost control, flipped, and caught fire.

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Seven people were burned beyond recognition, including the drivers of the two vehicles.

Lone survivor transported to hospital

The accident’s sole survivor was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment of serious injuries.

According to officers on the scene, reckless driving is a possible cause of the crash.

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Limpopo’s MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, expresses her condolences to the bereaved families.

“We are saddened by the news and send heartfelt sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. May they be granted the strength to get through this difficult time. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the surviving passenger.

The loss of lives on our roads due to reckless behavior by some motorists is cause for concern. We urge all drivers to be mindful of their actions at all times, for all to arrive alive at their respective destinations”, said MEC Radzilani.

WHAT TO DO AT AN ACCIDENT SCENE

With many accidents occurring on our roads, you might find yourself on the scene of one.

Here is what you can do:

• The safety of accident victims, emergency personnel, and other road users is the most important goal when an accident occurs.
• The first hour following an accident is known as the “Golden Hour,” and doctors say seriously injured car crash victims must receive comprehensive medical care within 60 minutes to have a good chance of survival. This scenario gives rescuers about 12 minutes at the accident scene to extricate the injured and get them to the hospital.
• Consider the traffic flow at the scene. Is it a risk to you or others, including the casualty?
• Consider the impact on emergency vehicles trying to reach the scene before stopping traffic.

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• If anyone is available, send someone up and down the road to wave down traffic.
• Turn on hazard lights and ignite flares if the incident happened at night to warn oncoming motorists of the danger.
• Consider the positioning of any vehicles involved in the incident and the potential hazards they may pose (such as rolling forwards or backwards). Consider safety – constantly reassess the safety of the scene, especially if you rely on others to keep you safe.
• Turn off all of the vehicles involved in the collision.

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