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KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu, is saddened by the tragic death of five people in a car crash on the N2, at uMgababa.

The preliminary report reveals that yesterday, 4 August 2012) at about 17h00, a Volkswagen Polo was making a U-turn on the highway when it collided with a Golf, catching fire. As a result, five occupants were burnt beyond recognition. One later died in hospital.

Four other occupants sustained critical injuries and were taken to eNtabeni Hospital. One minor was airlifted to Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital. Mchunu has ordered a full investigation into the cause of this gruesome accident.

"I have directed a team to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of this accident. I am deeply saddened by the loss of yet more innocent souls on our roads. All these fatal accidents are avoidable only if people strictly adhere to traffic rules and drive roadworthy vehicles. On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal government, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and a speedy recovery to those who are hospitalised," said Mchunu.

Mchunu also expressed concerns at the recent spate of accidents, calling on all people of KwaZulu-Natal to rise against lawlessness on the road. In a separate accident today (05/08/2013) at Ntabamhlophe in Estcourt, two minibus taxis collided, one person died and scores sustained injuries.

Mchunu commented after receiving a report for the month of July which revealed that 158 people were killed in the province.

"This is shocking and unacceptable. Losing so many people in one month is alarming and I strongly condemn all those road users who are deliberately violating traffic rules. I have instructed traffic officers to look out and act harshly against any form of transgression on the road," said Mchunu.