N17 horror crash leaves eight dead, including two minors

Ermelo – Eight people, including two minors, were killed in a head-on collision between a Toyota and Volkswagen sedan on the N17 toll road between Ermelo and Davel in Mpumalanga early on Sunday morning.

The crash happened near the Ermelo Toll Plaza at about 1:30am, according to Arrive Alive.

Six adults and two minors were among those killed. Seven of the victims were travelling in the Volkswagen, while the eighth victim was the sole occupant and driver of the Toyota.

No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established, although reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out.

“An investigation has already commenced,” Arrive Alive said in a statement.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie urged motorists to exercise greater caution, particularly when road and weather conditions affect visibility.

“Motorists must obey the rules of the road and adjust their driving in line with prevailing weather and road conditions,” Macie said.

“Greater vigilance is a must, especially when visibility is affected.”

Macie also expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the crash.