The loss of vehicle control has been identified as the initial cause of a fatal accident in which four people were instantly killed near the Maseru port of entry yesterday, Tuesday. The accident involved a heavy-duty truck and a 22-seater Iveco bus on South Africa’s side of the Maseru border post.
According to the police, the truck driver allegedly lost control, causing him to crash into nearby vendors and commuters. The truck collided with a stationary taxi and then went on to strike more people before ending up in the riverbed of the Caledon River, which borders Lesotho and South Africa.
Brig. Sam Makhele, Free State police spokesperson, said a case of culpable homicide was opened for investigation following the death of four people.
The fatal accident, which reportedly happened at about 08:00, left 22 survivors with minor injuries. A hydraulic extrication rescue tool was used to free the truck driver who was trapped inside the vehicle. The truck driver, who is in critical condition, was transported with other survivors to the Senorita Nhlabathi Hospital in Ladybrand for further medical observation and treatment.
