Johannesburg - Government must act over improving conditions on the R573 Moloto Road after four people were injured and 12 others critically injured when a taxi overturned near Mathyzenloop in Mpumalanga on Friday, the DA said.
“Government must stop talking about improving conditions along this 'Road of Death' and start implementing the Moloto Rail Corridor without delay,” said Democratic Alliance provincial chairman James Masango in a statement.
“Every day, thousands of commuters risk their lives travelling along this stretch of road in search of a better life and work opportunities in Gauteng.”
This took place as the opportunity for sizeable economic growth and job creation laid untapped for hundreds of thousands of people.
Earlier, Mpumalanga police said the 12 critically injured people were transported to hospitals in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
Warrant Officer BJ Mahlangu said the three passengers and driver died on the scene.
The taxi was believed to be travelling from Denneboom near Pretoria to Groblersdal in Limpopo, when the tyre burst and the vehicle overturned, Mahlangu said.
Police were investigating the incident.
In November last year, 30 people were killed in an accident between a bus and a truck on the Moloto Road near Kwaggafontein.
Another two people were killed on the road in December when a heavy goods truck collided with a delivery van.
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said last year that there was a plan in place to develop the stretch of the road, which included the introduction of rapid rail transportation.
Masango said, “Sadly, the only time government talks about the corridor's implementation, is when people lose their lives in traffic accidents.”
The party shared its condolences with the families and friends of the four people killed. - Sapa