One dead, several others injured in Limpopo road after heavy rain

One person was killed and several others were injured in separate road accidents in Limpopo on Monday the Department of Transport and Community Safety said.

One fatality occurred on the N1 near the Ranch Hotel, while another was reported on the R71 in Magoebaskloof. 

The department warned motorists of hazardous conditions caused by heavy rain across the province.

Earlier on Monday, the department reported a serious accident on the N1 southbound between Yesterberg and the Caltex Garage. 

“A vehicle lost control in the rain and collided head-on with another vehicle, involving a total of four cars,” spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said.

Two people were injured in the crash - one seriously and the other critically, while a third sustained moderate injuries. 

Ambulances and an EMS helicopter were dispatched to airlift patients from the scene. 

The road was temporarily closed from south to north, but officers are on site managing traffic.

In an update, Taueatsoala confirmed one person, said to be a man, had died in the N1 accident.

“The update is that one person died just before he could be airlifted to hospital.”

He urged all drivers to exercise extreme caution.

“Please slow down and double your following distance to avoid skidding on wet roads. Avoid overtaking in flooded areas, and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy - check your tyres and brakes before hitting the road. Use headlights to improve visibility, and steer clear of areas prone to hydroplaning,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the families affected by these accidents. Safety is a shared responsibility - plan ahead, drive carefully, and arrive alive,” Taueatsoala added.

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