Health MEC Montsheng Tsiu expressed how it is advisable to take a break during long distance traveling as fatigue can be very dangerous.

Her concerns follow various car accidents occurred on 23 December 2022 around the province. In a media statement confirming the multi-vehicle accident which occurred on the N3, Tsiu says they are deeply saddened by this development.

“We are again appealing to drivers to be more vigilant, cooperative and be courteous on the road,” she adds.

The accident in question occurred on Friday when four light and one heavy motor vehicle were involved in an accident. At the time of releasing the statement, one person who was in critical condition had been transported to Busamed in Harrismith, Free State.

Three others with minor injuries were transported to Thebe Hospital in Harrismith. The cause of the accident is now under investigation.

According to Emergency Medical Services’ spokesperson, Sipho Towa, on the same day another life was claimed by a car accident on the R726 in the province.

This accident occurred about 15km from Zastron in the direction of Van Stadensrus. “One fatality was reported on scene, while two are critically injured and four are moderately injured,” he explained,

Both accidents follow an accident that occurred in the early hours of the same day. The accident claimed at least five lives on the N6, just 25km out of Bloemfontein to Reddersburg. Six people were critically injured, two moderately injured, while three only sustained minor injuries.

All the above-mentioned accidents come on the heels of 13 people, including children, that died on the N1 after a truck and a minibus taxi collided head on. The accident occurred between Verkeerdevlei and Winburg – at least 10 people were declared dead on the scene, while others were transported to hospital to be treated for injuries sustained.

OFM News