4 die at Maseru Border Post accident

POLO SENGOARA

MASERU – Four people died at the scene of a traffic accident at the South African side of the Maseru Border Post today when a delivery truck ploughed into commuters and nearby street vendors.

According to eye-witnesses, the vehicle was approaching the railway crossing near the port of entry when it appeared to lose control, the driver reportedly flung himself out of the speeding vehicle which then ran over several vendors along the road – and crashing into taxis and commuters parked at the nearby taxi rank.

A Public Eye crew at the scene observed several other people trapped below a minibus seemingly dead.  Many others who sustained serious injuries were ferried to nearest South African hospitals for medical attention.

Speaking immediately following the horrific accident Motantši Makhele, Provincial Head Communication Services in the South African Free State police, reported that the driver of the vehicle could not control the vehicle, he got out of the moving vehicle and it in turn went straight to the street vendors and a passenger’s mini bus.

Motantši further stated that so far only four people have been identified as dead at the scene and others that were injured were rushed to the nearest hospitals.

“I cannot comment further on this matter at the moment as the investigators of the accident have not given a full report of who the victims are and where they are from,” said Motantši. 

From the government of Lesotho Minister of Home Affairs, Lebona Lephema, appealed to all drivers of heavy duty vehicles to be careful on the road, more so when approaching the border gate.

“I would also like to add that there is a huge need for speed humps that will slow down vehicles coming to the border gate, the two countries need to ensure that this happens for the safety of all citizens.”