By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula has conveyed his condolences to the families of the fourteen people who died in a horrific crash in the Free State on Saturday morning.
The accident took place at about 1am on the R57 outside Reitz.
Police Spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele says thirteen people died on the scene and three people sustained serious injuries while one person sustained minor injuries.
Provincial Emergency Medical Services Spokesperson, Sipho Towa says one of the four people who were injured died in hospital.
Towa says the road has been opened to traffic.
In a statement released on Saturday, Mbalula says at the start of the festive season and with traffic picking up, deaths on the country’s roads is a tragedy that can be avoided.
“It is only through collective effort that includes responsible behaviour by motorists, effective law enforcement and innovative engineering solutions in road design by government, that we will arrest the carnage on our roads and reverse the tide.The festive season is characterized by increased traffic as holiday makers make their way home or to places of leisure and irresponsible behaviour that includes drunk driving. We must all be vigilant and obey the rules of the road at all times,”said Mbalula.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash.
“Law enforcement authorities will maximise visibility on the roads and will deal with those who violate the law severely without fear or favour.”