One dead, five injured in early morning crash; driver recounts terrifying ordeal
In a tragic incident on the N4 near Middelburg Dam, a pre-dawn collision claimed the life of one passenger and left five others injured. The accident occurred around 04:25 on Saturday when a Ford Ranger bakkie rear-ended an Opel Corsa, sending it careening off the road and into the veld.
Joseph Mosoma, the driver of the Opel Corsa, has spoken out about the terrifying events of that morning. In an interview with the Middelburg Observer, Mosoma recalled seeing a truck overtaking him while he was driving in the slow lane. Moments later, he heard and felt a powerful impact from behind.
“The car rolled seven to ten times before it stopped,” he said, describing the chaos that unfolded in mere seconds.
Mosoma was travelling with several passengers from Belfast to eMalahleni at the time. Among them was the deceased, a man he knew only in passing from their local area. He confirmed all occupants of the vehicle were injured in the crash and transported to Belfast Hospital for treatment.
Now recovering, Mosoma shared that he is still experiencing severe chest pain, especially when breathing, and has bruises on his thighs and forehead. However, the physical wounds are only part of the ordeal.
“I keep having nightmares,” he said. “Every time I close my eyes, I see the accident happening all over again.”
The emotional toll, he explained, has been just as devastating as the physical injuries.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but one passenger was declared dead on arrival. Authorities have yet to release further details on the investigation.
