Third fatality on Shashe River Bridge in three years
The police are mourning the loss of one of their own following the death of a Sergeant in a horror car accident on Monday afternoon.
The 51-year-old officer, who was stationed at Tonota, died in the line of duty when the escort car he was driving overturned several times on Shashe River Bridge.
Although the crumpled vehicle narrowly avoided plummeting into the river, coming to a stop a top the bridge’s barricade, it was not enough to save the unfortunate cop. He was confirmed dead upon arrival at Tonota clinic.
The accident occurred at around 5pm, with the heavy rains that day leaving the A1 road wet and dangerous.
The Mmadinare native and a 41-year-old colleague, who escaped with minor injuries, were escorting a Security Services vehicle transporting money from Tonota to Francistown when they drove into trouble.
According to Tonota Station Commander, Oteng Ngada, rain water had settled on the bridge, located on the outskirts of Tonota and a well known hotspot for accidents.
“Apparently the bridge it is not completely level so rain water gathers there. It was reported that the car lost balance in the water and capsized many times before it stopped.”
Expressing his concern, Ngada revealed this was the third fatal accident to occur on the bridge in the last three years.
“We once reported the matter to Roads Department and it seems they did not attend to it. We are to engage the village authority to see what can be done. The Department of Transport is also to be engaged so they put warning signs to show there is danger on the bridge,” disclosed the Superintendent, urging drivers to proceed with extreme caution whenever crossing the bridge.