My heartfelt condolences go out to the loved ones of the eleven people who died in two separate road crashes in our province yesterday.

I wish a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. I also want to thank the dedicated teams who responded to these tragic incidents, working long hours under difficult circumstances.

The first incident, involving three vehicles, happened at about 17h30 on the R43 near Villiersdorp. All six occupants of one of the vehicles, including four children, died on the scene. Two patients were transported to hospital in a serious condition, while a third person sustained minor injuries.

The R43 was closed with traffic diverted via Draaiberg Road until the scene was cleared later in the evening. Provincial Traffic officers attended to this incident alongside Caledon Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Villiersdorp Fire Department.

The second incident – involving a sedan, a bakkie, and a bus – happened at about 23h20 on the N1 between Prince Albert and Laingsburg. Five people lost their lives, one person was seriously injured, and one person sustained minor injuries. None of the 39 passengers on the bus were hurt.

The scene on the N1 was attended to by Provincial Traffic officers, SAPS, EMS, Rescue, and the SAPS Accident Response Team. Various traffic control measures had to be implemented, including a stop-and-go and full closure, while the scene is investigated and cleared. Motorists should exercise caution.

These are preliminary reports. The causes of the crashes are under investigation.