N4 Toll Road
By Nkosana Khumalo
Five people lost their lives on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Belfast in Mpumalanga on Sunday, 6 April 2025, in a devastating head-on crash. The incident, involving an articulated truck and a sedan, has left the community in mourning and reignited calls for improved road safety across the province.
Fatal Crash Claims Five Lives
The horrific collision occurred on Sunday afternoon along the busy N4 toll road, a key route connecting Machadodorp and Belfast. According to Mpumalanga Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi, the sedan carried six occupants, five of whom—a toddler, two males, and two females—perished at the scene. “One person also in the sedan sustained serious injuries. The driver of the articulated truck was slightly injured,” Mmusi confirmed. Emergency services rushed the injured survivor to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Details surrounding the crash remain murky, with authorities yet to pinpoint the exact cause. “The cause of the crash remains unclear at the moment, but the investigation is already underway,” Mmusi added. Early reports suggest the sedan may have collided head-on with the truck, though factors like road conditions, speed, or driver error are still under scrutiny.
A Heartbreaking Loss
The victims’ identities have not been released, pending notification of their families. The inclusion of a toddler among the deceased has amplified the tragedy’s emotional weight, leaving Mpumalanga residents grappling with grief. The sole survivor from the sedan faces a long recovery, while the truck driver, though less severely hurt, is also receiving medical attention.
This crash adds to a troubling pattern of fatal accidents on the N4, a route notorious for heavy traffic and high-speed travel. Just months earlier, on 31 December 2024, seven people, including a two-year-old, died in a separate head-on collision between two sedans near Belfast, underscoring the road’s persistent dangers.
MEC Jackie Macie Calls for Caution
Mpumalanga’s Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Community Safety, Jackie Macie, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “It is deeply saddening for families to lose their loved ones in crashes that are mostly preventable,” he said. Macie urged drivers to exercise greater care, stating, “We continue to call on motorists to use the road with due diligence and great caution to avoid deadly collisions.”
The MEC’s plea comes amid heightened efforts to curb road deaths in the province. Hours before Sunday’s crash, Macie had warned drivers to adapt to wet weather conditions following a spate of rain-related accidents. While it’s unconfirmed whether rain played a role in this incident, the timing of his statement highlights ongoing concerns about road safety during adverse weather.
Investigation Underway
Police and traffic officials are working tirelessly to uncover the crash’s cause. Preliminary theories suggest the sedan may have lost control, possibly veering into the truck’s path, but investigators are exploring all angles, including mechanical failure and human error. The N4’s history of head-on collisions—such as the October 2024 crash near Mbombela that killed five—has intensified scrutiny on this stretch of road.
Mpumalanga’s Department of Community Safety has identified the N4 as a priority route for safety interventions. Enhanced patrols, speed enforcement, and public awareness campaigns are among the measures being rolled out, yet preventable accidents continue to claim lives.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 100 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Mbalula: Budget Disagreements Won’t Derail GNU, But Reconfiguration May Follow”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-100.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube