The DA in Limpopo sends its heartfelt condolences to the family members, friends and colleagues of the 13 persons who died in a tragic accident on the R40 near Kapama lodge outside Hoedspruit yesterday.
It is reported that a taxi and a bakkie collided and caught alight. 10 passengers of the minibus taxi, including the driver, and 3 passengers in the bakkie died on the scene; the rest of the passengers are in critical condition and are being treated at the Tintswalo hospital.
Eight of the deceased passengers were workers at LaBamba supermarket on their way to work.
A 14 -year-old girl from Drakensig school was on her way to a sports day also died on the scene.
After the accident, the road was closed for several hours to allow emergency personnel to attend at the scene. The cause of the accident is still unknown.
The DA is grateful to local NGO, Hlokomela, who will provide counselling to the bereaved families and traumatised responders.
We further express our gratitude to emergency services such as the Fire Brigade, SAPS, traffic enforcement as well as the Farm Watch for their swift response and care.
We also call upon the Limpopo Traffic Road Officials to be more visible and enforce traffic laws at all times, there must be a zero-tolerance approach against traffic offenders.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all communities affected by this tragic accident. We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.