Survivor recounts harrowing moments in tragic collision
– Community Safety, Security, and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie displayed heartfelt compassion and solidarity by visiting the homes of two local individuals who tragically lost their lives in a recent accident on the R42 in Delmas. The collision which happened on June 24, 2024, around 01:00 between a taxi and passenger truck resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives, with 10 fatalities on the scene and one person succumbing to injuries at Bernice Samuel Hospital. The visit not only conveyed support but also emphasized the government’s commitment to standing by the affected families during their time of grief.
MEC Macie expressed deep condolences and offered support to the families affected by the tragic accident near Delmas. He stated, “As a department, we have reached out to local businesses to assist the affected families with financial support for the funerals and have pledged groceries to aid in the funeral arrangements. Additionally, we are fully committed to supporting the two individuals still hospitalized as a result of the accident. I have engaged with local businesses to mobilize additional assistance for those impacted by this tragedy.”
Highlighting the importance of community solidarity in times of adversity, MEC Macie emphasized, “I have been in touch with the Mozambique consulate to identify and communicate with the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. It is crucial that we come together as a community to provide comprehensive support to those in need during this difficult time.”
In a statement following the visit, MEC Jackie Macie extended his deepest condolences to the families and stressed the government’s unwavering commitment to standing alongside the affected families. He affirmed that they would continue to provide assistance and resources to help them navigate through this challenging period.
Nine of the eleven deceased were of Mozambican origin and were occupants of the minibus taxi, while two were in the bus truck. Additionally, 23 individuals sustained injuries and were transferred to Ermelo Hospital for treatment. Reports indicate that the bus truck for Nkosi’s Coach was en route to Poultry Handling Services Company in Bronkhorstspruit. Both companies have pledged their support to the families of the two local deceased, with Bishop Nkosi, owner of Nkosi’s Coach, going deep into his pocket to assist both families, and Constans “Bez” Bezuidenhout (Bez), Contract Manager at Poultry Handling Services, committing on behalf of the poultry company to cover funeral and transport costs.
MEC of Public Works, Roads, and Transport Thulasizwe Thomo visited the accident scene on the day of the accident to assess the situation. He also visited the injured in hospital and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
Carlos Sambo, a survivor of the accident and a minibus taxi occupant, recounted the incident: “We were traveling from Westonaria, Johannesburg to Maputo. We exited from the N12 onto the R42 to pick up a passenger in Botleng township, Delmas. We stopped before joining the R42 and as we entered the R42 road, a truck suddenly appeared from the right side on the side I was sitting, and there was a loud bang as I held onto the passenger door. I sustained a head injury and briefly lost consciousness. When I regained consciousness, only two people remained inside the taxi: the driver and the front-seat passenger. Everyone else had been ejected and scattered upon impact.” He expressed gratitude to bystanders who mostly came from a nearby tavern and called emergency services for help.
