Four people have been confirmed dead in an accident on the N4 Toll Road in Mpumalanga that involved a truck and minibus taxi.
IOL News initially reported that seven people had been killed.
However, in an updated statement, the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said four people were confirmed dead.
The accident took place in the early hours of Thursday morning near Rivulets towards Mbombela.
Department spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said the crash occurred when a truck collided with the rear of a minibus taxi towing a trailer.
“According to preliminary reports, the truck driver seemingly lost control, swerved into the oncoming lane, and collided with another minibus taxi travelling from the direction of Mbombela.”
He confirmed that three of the deceased were occupants of the minibus taxi traveling from Mbombela.
“They were burned beyond recognition after the minibus caught fire on impact.”
Mmusi said the fourth victim was found on the road, and it is not yet clear which vehicle the person was traveling in.
“It is suspected he may have flung out of the involved vehicles on impact.”
