By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A truck driver has been arrested by Free State police following a fatal accident which claimed the lives of 13 people in the early hours of Monday morning.
The 47-year-old survived the accident unharmed. He’s facing charges of culpable homicide.
Thirteen people, including the taxi driver, three children and a baby, died on the scene.
Department spokesperson Hillary Mophethe said the collision between a truck and minibus taxi took place 17km before the Verkeerdevlei Plaza in the direction of Winburg, at around 03:25 on Monday.
Mophethe added three people sustained minor to critical injuries. They were taken to Pelonomi Trauma Hospital in Bloemfontein.
She said: At the moment, the southbound lane has been closed off, and traffic officials are on the scene to redirect traffic.
Roads and Transport MEC William Bulwane conveyed his condolences to the families and urged motorists to drive with caution during the festive season.