Tragic N6 Accident Claims 10 Lives, Sparks Road Safety Concerns
RTMC Launches Investigation into Fatal N6 Collision
About the Free State crash: A devastating road accident on the N6 highway near Reddersburg, Free State, claimed the lives of ten people and left 31 others injured in the early hours of March 5, 2025. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has deployed a team of investigators to determine the cause of the collision, which involved a bus and a truck with two trailers.
According to RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane, preliminary information suggests that the two vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when they collided in a side-swipe crash at approximately 3 a.m.
Victims and Injuries Reported
The crash resulted in the deaths of ten people, mostly adult females and one minor. Emergency responders transported 31 injured passengers to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
“The RTMC sends condolences to the affected families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured,” Zwane stated. He also emphasized the importance of caution when driving in the early morning hours, noting that statistics show a significant number of accidents occur before dawn.
SAPS Opens Case of Culpable Homicide
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that an investigation is underway, with a case of culpable homicide opened in connection with the tragic crash. Authorities are working to establish the exact circumstances leading to the fatal incident.
Free State Premier Expresses Condolences
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. She also acknowledged another tragic incident in Heilbron, where eight people, including a 71-year-old man and a two-year-old girl, drowned after their vehicle was swept away by strong water currents.
“I am mortified to learn about the loss of lives from the two incidents. Road safety remains a priority, and as government, we are intensifying our efforts to curb road fatalities. These tragic incidents serve as a painful reminder of the job at hand but also to intensify our road safety awareness campaigns,” Letsoha-Mathae stated.
RTMC Urges Caution for Pre-Dawn Travel
Following the accident, the RTMC is urging all road users to exercise extreme caution when travelling in the early hours of the morning. Data shows that a high percentage of fatal crashes occur before sunrise, highlighting the need for improved road safety measures.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the N6 crash, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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