Three kids killed in alleged drag racing crash

Three children died after a motorist allegedly lost control of a car while drag racing, knocking down 12 children at Goba Village, east of Malelane, the Mpumalanga community safety department has said.

Spokesman Moeti Mmusi said the accident happened last night.

“It is alleged that the driver was drag racing before losing control of the vehicle and knocking down the learners,” he said today in a statement.

“Three of the learners were critically injured and they were transported to Tonga Hospital were they later died from the injuries they sustained during the accident.”

The other nine children suffered minor injuries and were recovering in hospital.

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga community safety MEC, Vusi Shongwe, condemned reckless and irresponsible driving.

He said the criminal justice system needs to send a message that reckless and negligent driving would not be tolerated.

“We need to deal harshly with irresponsible drivers who want to turn our roads into killing fields. The law must take its course,” Shongwe said in a statement.

Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide and reckless driving.

The driver of the car was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.

Investigations continue.

- Sapa