13 killed in R57 head-on crash
13 people have been killed along the R57 when two minibus taxis crashed head-on in Reitz, in the Free State in the early hours of this morning.
It's said just after 1am emergency services were notified of the crash between the two loaded vehicles with one of them said to be headed to Gauteng. The second had been travelling from Pretoria to tge Free State province. Both drivers died on impact. Free
State SAPS Brigadier Motantsi Makhele there were only four survivors who are in a critical condition.
"Police have attended to a horrible accident on the R57 together with emergency medical services", he said
"A white VW Crafter with Free State registration was on it way to Gauteng while the second, a Toyota Quantum with GP registration was travelling from Pretoria and carrying 11 passengers", Makhele said.
"Names of the deceased are unkown at this stage including the whereabouts of their next of kin. A case of Culpable Homicide is being investigated", he said
Meanwhile Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, has said he is saddened by the crash while conveying his condolences to the affected families. He's further called for a joint collaboration in order to put a stop to road carnage.
In his statement he goes on to say that the festive season has been characterised by road accidents and deaths which have included drunk driving.
He says law enforcement officials will maximise visibility on our roads and severely deal with those who violate our laws with no fear or favour.
