KAPHUNGA – An 18-year-old woman died and five others were injured when a tractor overturned at Hhometini early yesterday morning.
According to sources, the accident occurred between 4:30am and 6am on the road linking Eposini and Mphumakudze.
Sources said the tractor, driven by a 26-year-old man from LaMdladla, was transporting six passengers, all believed to be pupils, to agricultural work at Nhlalabantfu.
They alleged the vehicle was fitted with a plough instead of a trailer, although it remains unclear why the passengers were travelling on the tractor.
Sources further alleged that an argument broke out between the 18-year-old woman and her alleged boyfriend, who was among the passengers, after she reportedly wanted to alight from the vehicle.
It is alleged that the driver briefly diverted his attention from the road during the altercation before losing control of the tractor.
According to sources, the tractor overturned onto its side, trapping the young woman beneath the rear left wheel. Those at the scene reportedly tried to rescue her but were unable to lift the vehicle.
Sources alleged that police officers and fire and rescue personnel responded to the scene.
They further claimed the driver fled on foot immediately after the accident.
The injured woman was taken to Hlatikhulu Government Hospital, where a doctor certified her dead on arrival.
The driver and four passengers, aged between 17 and 18 and all from Hhometini, were treated at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital before being discharged. Sources said another passenger escaped without injury.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that a fatal road traffic accident had occurred.
