Police said the Kombi was travelling from Pretoria to Zimbabwe while the truck, which crossed the border from Zimbabwe, was headed towards Polokwane. The crash happened along the busy N1 highway near Bandelierkop outside Makhado, according to police spokesperson, Maano Sadiki.
The South African national broadcaster, the SABC reported that traffic was brought to a halt for four hours following the accident. The SABC quoted police as saying the truck veered into the oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the Kombi. Both drivers of the two vehicles died on the spot. Eight of those who died were men, while one woman and one young boy also died.
By late afternoon, health authorities were considering airlifting two of the critically injured survivors to Polokwane hospital. One of them is a pregnant woman.
“We are worried about two who are critically injured especially the one who is pregnant and doctors are doing what they can to stabilize her…as for now we are observing them to make sure they get well,’ the SABC quoted Sadiki saying.
The injured were taken to Elim and the Louis Trichardt Memorial hospitals. Police say they are in a process of informing families of the deceased and other next of kin. SW Radio Africa
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