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Kruger National Park
Media Release: KNP truck accident claims life
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Date: 6th February 2009
The management and staff of the Kruger National Park (KNP) expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the assistant driver of the vehicle that crashed on the road between Mopani and Shingwedzi rest camps late yesterday afternoon (Thursday February 5, 2009).
A truck belonging to a contractor
crashed on the road between
Mopani and Shingwedzi rest camps
in the KNP yesterday - Photograph by
Johann Oelofse
The management and staff of the Kruger National Park (KNP) expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the assistant driver of the vehicle that crashed on the road between Mopani and Shingwedzi rest camps late yesterday afternoon (Thursday February 5, 2009).
“We mourn the loss of Mr Lux Maletole who died in what can only be described as a freak accident,” said the KNP’s HOD of Public Relations and Communication, Mr William Mabasa.
The vehicle in which he and the driver were driving, a 20-ton English Horse and Truck was travelling to Shingwedzi Rest Camp with a load of river sand, lost control and ploughed through 15 metres of Mopanie Shrubveld, before hitting a ravine and turning upside down. The accident happened roughly 42 kilometres south of Shingwedzi at around 15:30.
It is believed that the co-driver died instantly on impact. The driver, Mr Daniel Sekgobela, survived the crash and was able to flag down a passing motorist, who then took him to Mopani Rest Camp for medical assistance.
Mopani Rest Camp Hospitality Services Manager Mr Garth Holt arranged for the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from Phalaborwa while Mooiplaas Section Ranger Mr Johann Oelofse went to the scene of the accident to investigate.
Mr Sekgobela, who sustained lacerations on his face and other light injuries, was then transported to MaputaMalatjie Hospital in Phalaborwa for treatment. He has since been discharged.
The vehicle’s prop shaft broke, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle is owned by Phalaborwa-based contractor SMB Trading and Transport.
At the time of writing, funeral arrangements for the Late Mr Maletole were being made by the owners of SMB Trading and Transport.
Issued by:
Raymond Travers, Media Relations Practitioner, Kruger National Park. Contact: Tel: (013) 735 4116, cell: 082 908 2677 or email: raymondt@sanparks.org
Enquiries:
William Mabasa, HOD: Public Relations and Communication, Kruger National Park. Contact: Tel: (013) 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919 or email: williamm@sanparks.org
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