The Toyota Corolla driver who was fleeing from law enforcement agents when he was involved in the horrific multiple-vehicle crash on the N2 Road between Ermelo and Mkhondo (formerly Piet Retief) near Ngwempisi in Mpumalanga, has been granted bail by police.

IOL reported on Saturday that five people travelling in a Toyota multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) were killed when the driver of a speeding Toyota Corolla sedan crashed while fleeing from law enforcement agents.

In an update, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga department of community safety, security and liaison, Moeti Mmusi told IOL that the unidentified driver has been released at the Ermelo police station in Mpumalanga.

“He was released on a R1,000 bail by the police. His main charge is failure to stop when directed by officials, reckless and negligent driving, inconsiderate driving, and also driving under the influence of alcohol,” Mmusi told IOL.

On Saturday, Mmusi told IOL that the horrific crash that happened on the N2 Road on Friday involved multiple vehicles, including the Toyota Corolla, a seven-seater Toyota MPV, a taxi pulling a trailer, and a heavy truck.

“Indications are that the driver of the Toyota Corolla sedan was allegedly driving over 170 kilometers per hour,” said Mmusi.

“He apparently had failed to stop when he was signaled by law enforcement officers, and subsequently he collided with another vehicle, a seven-seater Toyota multi-purpose vehicle that was loaded with eight people on the same road,” he said.

Authorities said the Toyota Corolla crashed into the seven-seater Toyota MPV multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which was loaded with eight people, and five people from the Toyota MPV died at the scene.

Mmusi said the speeding driver of the Toyota Corolla sedan, who was alone in the vehicle, seemingly lost control before colliding with the other vehicles, including the truck. He was not injured in the crash and was arrested at the scene.

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“Five people, including the driver of the Toyota MPV, lost their lives, and three survivors were rushed to the hospital,” said Mmusi.

“The other driver of the Toyota Corolla sedan, who was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash, was arrested and charged with excessive speeding, failure to stop when ordered to stop by law enforcers, and for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.”

The investigation into the collision is already underway. 

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga’s MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie has appealed to motorists to be responsible on the roads, in a bid to curb “needless loss of lives”.

Macie has also cautioned motorists to respect the rules of the road, and the rights of other road users.

“Too many tears have been shed already and too many families have been left devastated by inconsiderate, reckless and negligent driver behaviour, and this needs to stop. All road users must play their part by obeying the rules to make our roads safer,” said the MEC. 

Macie has extended condolences to the bereaved families.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News 

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