By Zavela Makwabe
Two funeral parlour workers died after a mortuary bakkie overturned on the R391 between Bugersdorp and Steynsburg in the Eastern Cape on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities suspect that alcohol could be behind the tragic accident that took place on Saturday afternoon.
A third man travelling with the two escaped the crash with injuries, according to Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Transport.
He is believed to have been a hitch-hiker.
“The three were travelling from Steynsburg when the driver lost control. The bakkie overturned, and two male co-workers died on arrival at the Burgersdorp Provincial Hospital,” Binqose said, adding that a culpable homicide docket had been opened with the Burgersdorp police for further investigation.
In an attempt to stem similar tragedies, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board will on Monday officially launch the festive season’s awareness campaign targeting road users, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
“In this year, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board seeks to ensure that road accidents are drastically reduced on the Eastern Cape roads, and road users are urged to be extra careful and to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol to avoid the unnecessary loss of life,” said the board’s spokesperson Mgwebi Msiya.
Pictured above: Two mortuary employees died when their van overturned
Image source: EC Department of Transport
