Mmako Mophiring, Free State police spokesperson, says it is alleged that the four males were speeding and lost control due to the rainy and windy conditions that persisted in the evening. As a result, the vehicle collided with an oncoming truck. 

According to Sipho Towa, Emergency Medical Services spokesperson, all four men in the sedan were declared dead on the scene. "Just before 18:00 in the evening, we received information regarding a collision on the N3 between Villiers and Warden. On arrival, the crews found that a truck had collided with a Nissan Tiida sedan. All the occupants in the Nissan passed away.

Mophiring says a case of culpable homicide has been opened. He says the truck driver was not injured in the accident. "A gold Nissan Tiida, with a GP registration had four occupants inside, of which all were male. Because of the rainy weather conditions, it is alleged that the vehicle skidded on the road and the driver lost control of the vehicle. Then, unfortunately, it went northbound, faced the opposite direction and collided head-on with a truck."

Meanwhile, Free State MEC for Health, Butana Komphela, has again urged drivers, especially those returning from holidays, to be cautious on the roads, particularly on the N1, N3, N5, N6, N8, R30 routes, among others. "Whilst we commend the provincial authorities for having deployed law enforcement agents everywhere, it is important that this effort is complimented by compliance, cooperation and consideration by road users". 

"Road accidents are very disruptive to the social fabric of our nation. They overburden the health budget, the road accident funds, they damage road infrastructure, but more importantly they take and rob the country and families of irreplaceable skills and lives. Drive carefully, arrive healthy and safely at your destinations," he concluded.

Pulane Choane/OFM News