Maseru, Jan. 12 — At least one person has lost their life while 15 others sustained injuries following a road accident that occurred at Ha Thetsane on Monday morning.
Confirming the incident in an interview with the Agency, Police Constable Monaheng Ramahloko of Thetsane Police Station said a commuter minibus (combi) transporting workers to the Thetsane industrial area lost control and collided with a footbridge at the Thetsane traffic circle.
PC Ramahloko stated that the vehicle was carrying 15 passengers, all of whom were rushed to hospital with injuries and received medical attention.
He further revealed that a female pedestrian who was struck by the same vehicle was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Meanwhile, PC Ramahloko urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey, stressing that mechanical defects continue to pose serious risks on the country’s roads.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the accident, the driver of the vehicle, Mr. Bofihla Makhoebane, said he was transporting workers from Koalabata to Ha Thetsane when he noticed unusual mechanical behaviour, which he suspected to be bearing failure.
Mr. Makhoebane added that upon reaching Ha Sae, just before descending the slope towards Thetsane, the vehicle experiences brake failure after the brake pads disengaged, rendering the braking system ineffective and causing him to lose control.
Ends/NT/tl
