Police in Mpumalanga have launched a search and rescue operation for a missing child following a fatal crash near Alkmaar, outside Mbombela.

The child was among the occupants of a light delivery vehicle that veered off the N4 Toll Road and crashed into guardrails on Sunday, reportedly due to a tire burst. 

Three people died at the scene.

The child, believed to have been seated in the back of the vehicle, has not been located. Provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi says search efforts will continue.

“It is alleged that a child was part of the people who were in the bakkie. They looked for him on Sunday afternoon and the search will also continue today. At this stage, it is not clear whether the child is still alive or not, but the search by the police divers is ongoing.”