Bloody weekend as 55 die on SA roads

30-08 2015, The wrackage of the bus that claimed 36 lives, is at the Willowvalle municipal offices. picture: Michael Pinyana

30-08 2015, The wrackage of the bus that claimed 36 lives, is at the Willowvalle municipal offices. picture: Michael Pinyana

Published Aug 31, 2015

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Cape Town - Ten people died in crashes across the Western Cape at the weekend with President Jacob Zuma calling for motorists to be more cautious after dozens more lost their lives across the country.

Western Cape traffic chief, Kenny Africa confirmed that 10 people died at the weekend in areas including Lentegeur, Table View, Worcester, Plettenberg Bay, Kraaifontein, Strand and Oudtshoorn.

ER24 spokesman, Russel Meiring said among the crashes was a head-on collision in Eerste River.

“ER24 paramedics, along with other services, responded to the scene and found a wrecked light motor vehicle lying in the middle of the road while a taxi lay on its side near the road.

“On assessment, paramedics found the lifeless body of the driver lying inside the vehicle. Unfortunately the man had already succumbed to his multiple fatal injuries.”

The five injured were transported to Tygerberg Hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

“The cause of the collision is not yet known but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.”

‘UNACCEPTABLE’

In addition to the deaths, Africa said 201 fines were issued and close to 30 people were arrested for a number of traffic violations including speeding, false documentation and drunken driving. He said the amount of fines issued was R268 300.

Yesterday, Zuma called for caution after 36 people were killed in the Eastern Cape when a bus overturned on the R408 between Butterworth and Willowvale.

Another nine were killed when a minibus taxi overturned on the R61 between Cradock and Graaf Reinet.

“This senseless loss of life is unacceptable and it is happening more frequently on our roads. The law enforcement authorities can play their part but it is mainly up to the drivers to ensure that they adhere to the rules of the road in order to save the precious lives of our people,” Zuma said.

He extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones and the premier and the Eastern Cape government: “The pain faced by all the families is immeasurable. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery”.

In Swaziland, 38 maidens lost their lives on Friday. The 38 young women were to take part in the annual Reed Dance at the weekend but were killed when the flatbed truck they were on was involved in a crash.

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