Five killed in tragic R518 crash in Limpopo

At least five people have died and several others were injured in a serious multi-vehicle crash on the R518 Marken Road in Mogalakwena, Limpopo. 

The Mogalakwena Local Municipality confirmed the fatalities and said emergency services and medical teams were on the scene attending to the injured.

Motorists were urged to approach the area with caution.

“There’s chaos unfolding right now on the R518 (Marken Road) and this isn’t a drill,” the municipality said in a statement.

“Five people are confirmed dead and seven injured. Emergency services and medical teams are on the scene.”

The municipality, based in Mokopane, Limpopo, further appealed to road users to slow down and comply with instructions from authorities.

“Let’s respect the lives lost by changing how we drive. Drive safe. Protect lives. Get home alive,” it said.

Limpopo Traffic and Road Safety said the crash occurred at the Mosesetjane cross on the R518, where a Hyundai light delivery vehicle reportedly lost control and crashed into a bridge.

“The accident resulted in five fatalities, with two people seriously injured, four critically injured and one sustaining minor injuries,” the department said.

Traffic authorities confirmed that the R518 Mopane to Marken road has been temporarily closed to allow emergency teams to clear the scene.

“Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and exercise extreme caution,” Limpopo Traffic and Road Safety said. 

They added that further updates would be provided as more information became available.

IOL on Tuesday, reported that  the Department of Transport and Community Safety reported additional fatal crashes elsewhere in Limpopo, attributing them to hazardous weather conditions.

“One fatality occurred on the N1 near the Ranch Hotel, while another was reported on the R71 in Magoebaskloof,” the department said.

Department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said a serious accident earlier on Monday involved four vehicles on the N1 southbound between Ysterberg and the Caltex Garage.

“A vehicle lost control in the rain and collided head-on with another vehicle, involving a total of four cars,” he said.

Taueatsoala said two people were injured in that crash, one seriously and another critically, while a third sustained moderate injuries.

He later confirmed that one person had died before being airlifted to hospital. “The update is that one person died just before he could be airlifted to hospital,” he said.

He urged motorists to drive responsibly amid heavy rainfall. “Please slow down and double your following distance to avoid skidding on wet roads. Avoid overtaking in flooded areas, and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy,” Taueatsoala said.

“Our thoughts are with the families affected by these accidents. Safety is a shared responsibility - plan ahead, drive carefully, and arrive alive.”

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

IOL News