MEDIA STATEMENT…

DATE: Saturday, 28 September 2019

TO: All Media

ATTENTION: News Editors / Transport Reporters / All Reporters

For immediate use

TRANSPORT MINISTRY STATEMENT ON RECENT N1 WALMANSTHAL CRASH

The Minister of Transport Mr Fikile Mbalula has one again callled for strict observance of all road rules following a horrific crash on the N1 freeway between the Pumulani Plaza and Walmansthal in the Hamanskraal area on Friday, 27 September.

Seven people were killed and three others critically injured as a result of a multiple vehicle crash that took place on the freeway alleged to have been caused by heavy smoke from veld fires in the area.

The country has recently experienced a spate of road crashes that have taken place in different provinces in the past few weeks.

Minister Mbalula has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the seven people who lost their lives in the fatal accident and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

“We encourage all road users not only to observe, but also to obey all the rules of the road and ensure they behave responsibly at all times. Roads are a shared space that all users must utilise responsibly. Road safety is also everyone’s responsibility, without exception. It starts with you”. said the Minister.

The Department of Transport will roll-out its revitialised 365 Days Road Safety Action Campaign in line with the Road Safety Strategy which will entail strong elements of road safety operations and education and awareness throughout the country.

The Minister has instructed traffic law enforcement to intensify stringent operations across the country in the effort to reduce crashes and deaths through among others, high visible policing and hush penalties including the prosecution of traffic law transgressors.

The Minister has instructed the Road Traffic Management Cooperation to work with the Police Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crash and also the Road Accident Fund to assist the families of the deceased and injured.

-Ends-

ISSUED BY: Department of Transport
159 Forum Building
Pretoria
0001

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