Tragedy on R81: 13 Killed as Minibus Taxi Crushed Between Trucks in Limpopo

Horror on the R81: 13 Lives Lost in Deadly Limpopo Crash

A serene Sunday morning turned into a scene of unimaginable grief in Limpopo, as a minibus taxi carrying churchgoers was tragically crushed between two trucks on the R81 near Ga-Sekgopo, Mooketsi. Among the 13 fatalities was a young child, estimated to be between seven and ten years old.

The victims were returning from a church service in Solomondale heading towards Magoro village outside Giyani, when the devastating incident unfolded.

Minibus Taxi Sandwiched Between Trucks

Preliminary reports suggest that a truck failed to brake, colliding with the rear of the minibus taxi and pushing it into another truck ahead. The impact left the minibus completely crushed, claiming all lives on board, including the driver.

Emergency teams worked tirelessly to extract the victims from the wreckage, with the R81 road closed for several hours to facilitate rescue operations. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

RTMC Issues Urgent Call for Truck Safety

Reacting to the tragedy, RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane appealed to truck and public transport drivers across the country to prioritize safety and exercise caution on the roads.

“The Road Traffic Management Corporation is calling on freight and public transport vehicle drivers to improve their behaviour and put safety first,” Zwane said, urging drivers to remain vigilant and responsible.

Social media users and local communities have expressed shock and anger, with many highlighting the ongoing concerns over truck driver safety and overloading in South Africa.

Weekend Accidents Across the Country

This tragic event was not isolated. In KwaZulu-Natal, a head-on collision along Underwood Road near Hans Detman Road in Pinetown left one woman dead and two others seriously injured.

ALS Paramedics confirmed the female driver, believed to be in her forties, died at the scene, while the two occupants of the second vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital after receiving on-site care. SAPS is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety

These incidents are a grim reminder of the dangers faced daily by South African motorists, especially in areas with heavy truck traffic. Authorities are urging the public to report unsafe driving, obey road rules, and remain vigilant, particularly on high-risk routes like the R81.

As the nation mourns the victims in Limpopo, there is renewed pressure on both drivers and regulators to prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future.

If you witness a traffic incident or unsafe driving, contact RTMC at 0861 400 800 immediately.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com