Qacha’s Nek, March. 08 — Four people died when two taxis collided between Romeng and Ha Sekake.
The cause of the accident is said to be overspeeding.
In an interview with the Agency, Village Chief of Ha Sekake, Mr. Maseru Mosothoane said one student died on the spot, the other two died on the way to the nearest clinics while a driver died on the way to the hospital.
He said other students sustained serious injuries though he does not have the exact figures.
He said reports indicate that the involved taxis were transporting Bethel students to Sehlabathe as part of their education trip.
Eyewitness, who is also a driver, Mr. Moeketsi Ntsoane said the other taxi was travelling at high speed and the driver failed to control it.
“He was trying to overtake the other taxi which I am not sure why as they were travelling together,” Ntsoane said, calling on his colleagues to stop overspeeding.
“We have lost more than 10 people at the same spot and we are worried,” he said.
Qacha’s Nek Traffic Police Officer, Sub/Insp Hlalele Machachamise confirmed the accident, however, he said they are still waiting for a detailed report from Ha Sekake Police.
He said they embark on campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of good driving practice either using loudspeaker, through public gatherings or using local radio stations.
“Our efforts are working so far,” he said.
He said their good working relations with the district court ease their job.
Just last month, he said seven people were charged for driving without all the required documentation.
“We are doing our best to encourage proper driving to avoid accidents such as this one,” he said.
According to statistics from the Road Safety Department and the police Lesotho had 4,274 accidents in 2007. In 2013 that number jumped to 5,538 before coming down slightly to 5,236 in 2015.
The report from the department and the police says December has the highest number of fatalities followed by April and March.
In 2015, Qacha’s Nek recorded the highest in deaths at 23.2 percent followed by Mokhotlong with 15.2 percent where the lowest was Mohale’s Hoek with 5.6 percent.
