The Limpopo and Mpumalanga provincial governments have joined forces to identify the 13 victims of a horrific car crash that occurred on the R40 road near Kapama in Hoedspruit on Saturday.
The crash unfolded when a Toyota Quantum minibus and a Ford Ranger bakkie collided, resulting in both vehicles being engulfed in flames.
Ten people, including the driver of the Toyota Quantum, died on the after the crash, while three passengers from the Ford Ranger survived with injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Limpopo Premier spokesperson Thilivhali Muavha provided harrowing details of the incident. “The fatal collision between a Toyota Quantum and Ford Ranger resulted in both vehicles being completely burnt with passengers trapped inside,” Muavha said. The victims are believed to be from Mpumalanga, adding a layer of complexity to the identification process.
Task Team Established to Expedite Identification and Support Grieving Families
In response to the tragedy, the Limpopo Provincial Government has established a task team comprising officials from the Department of Health and the Department of Transport and Community Safety.
This team will collaborate with their Mpumalanga counterparts to facilitate the identification process and conduct DNA tests. “This team will work closely with officials from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to facilitate the identification process and conduct DNA tests to ensure a dignified handover of the deceased to their families,” Muavha explained.
The task team is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to begin the painstaking process of identifying the victims. The use of DNA testing underscores the severity of the crash, which left the victims burnt beyond recognition.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of providing closure to the grieving families, many of whom are still in shock.
