Five people died in a head-on N4 crash in Mpumalanga, with Easter traffic expected to surge across major routes.
Key Points:
- Five fatalities resulted from the N4 crash.
- Weather conditions may have caused the crash.
- Traffic surge expected as South Africans travel for the Easter weekend.
Fatal N4 Collision Claims Five Lives
Five people died Thursday afternoon in a head-on N4 crash between Belfast and Machadodorp in Mpumalanga. A light delivery vehicle collided with a sport utility vehicle.
Serious Injuries and Road Closures
The provincial Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison confirmed the fatalities. Three other people sustained serious injuries. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene.
Moeti Mmusi, a spokesperson for the department, explained that inclement weather may have caused the N4 crash. “It’s rainy and wet, and motorists can’t see well on the roads,” Mmusi told SABC News. He advised drivers to use alternative routes. The road remained closed after the accident.
“We don’t know how long it will remain closed,” Mmusi said.
Surge in Easter Traffic Across South Africa
As the Easter weekend begins, traffic is expected to surge across South Africa’s major routes. According to IOL News, many motorists are heading to popular holiday destinations.
Historically, the Easter weekend is one of the most dangerous times on South African roads. The high volume of cars, buses, and trucks traveling in a short period raises the risk of accidents.
Authorities urge motorists to remain patient, especially in high-risk traffic zones during peak congestion times. The N3, connecting Johannesburg and Durban, and the N1 between Johannesburg and Polokwane, are among the busiest routes. Traffic on the N4 toward Mpumalanga will also increase.
Motorists should plan their journeys carefully and remain alert to avoid further incidents.
