Six road construction workers died in Limpopo after a motor vehicle slammed into them while they were working on the N11 in the Waterberg District. File picture
THE DEATH toll of construction workers killed when a speeding Opel Astra slammed into them while they were doing repairs on the N11 road at GaMashikiri in Limpopo has risen to six.
The horrific incident within the Waterberg District happened on Monday morning.
“According to reports, a light motor vehicle, an Opel Astra sedan, knocked down the construction workers while they were busy with the road construction,” said Vongani Chauke, spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety.
“Speeding and reckless driving has been stated as a possible cause for the accident.”
Four construction workers died on the scene, while the other two were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
In an update, the department said the two injured worked also died on Monday.
“The driver of the Opel Astra sedan has also been rushed to a hospital for medical attention and a case of culpable homicide is opened,” said Chauke.
The Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, has expressed shock after learning of the tragic incident.
Radzilani has sent messages of condolences to the bereaved families and also appealed to motorists to exercise caution, particularly when approaching road construction sites that are well marked.
“We urge drivers to exercise extra caution when approaching construction sites. As contractors are repairing and renovating roads throughout the province, please pay attention to any warning signs and obey instructions," she said.