By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Five people were killed in a horrific multiple-vehicle crash on the N2 Road between Ermelo and Mkhondo (formerly Piet Retief) near Ngwempisi in Mpumalanga.
The collision, which occurred on Friday near Ngwempisi, involved two sedans and a truck.
Fullview learnt that the driver of one of the sedans crashed while fleeing from law enforcement agents.
According to Mpumalanga Community Safety MEC Jackie Macie, preliminary reports indicate that one of the sedan drivers was traveling at over 170 kilometers per hour.
He reportedly failed to stop when instructed by law enforcement and later collided with another sedan before crashing head-on into a truck.
“All five victims, including the speeding driver and four passengers, died on the scene,” said Macie.
He added that the driver of the other sedan, who was alone in the vehicle at the time, has since been arrested.
The driver faces charges of excessive speeding, after failing to stop when ordered by authorities, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The unidentified driver has since been released on a R1000 bail at the Ermelo police station in Mpumalanga.
An investigation into the circumstances of the collision is underway.
Motorists have been urged to drive responsibly to prevent further senseless deaths on the province’s roads.
“Too many tears have been shed already, and too many families have been left devastated by inconsiderate, reckless, and negligent driver behaviour. This needs to stop,” said Macie.