Drive to engagement party turns tragic on A30

• Bride-to-be died on the spot followed by neighbour, then son

FRANCISTOWN: At least three people travelling to an engagement party including a bride-to-be and her son have been killed with others injured in a tragic accident along the A30 Road, from Francistown to Orapa on November 5.

The accident took place a few kilometres away from Mokubilo village just hours before the bride-to-be’s engagement party was to be held.

It was reported that the woman was travelling with her nine-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter together with their family friends including a man aged 55, his daughter, 16, and his son, 12. Tatitown Police Station Commander, Boipuso Baatweng told The Monitor they are yet to determine the cause of the accident.

He said it was strange that on the day, the Toyota Fortuner just overturned on its own and claimed the life of the woman, who was driving, on the spot, instantly turning a day of celebration into one of mourning.

Baatweng indicated the deceased persons and three surviving victims were travelling to the driver’s engagement party at a farm on the outskirts of Mokubilo. The engagement party was organised for the deceased woman who was going to get married.

The deceased persons and survivors are family friends and were going to be part of the joyous celebrations marking a new chapter in her life.

Speaking about the incident, the Tatitown police chief said early last week, they received a report about a Toyota Fortuner overturning 45km away from the second city.

He said that the 39-year-old driver died in the accident. Baatweng indicated that there were six occupants, who were rushed to Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital (NHR). The driver was certified dead upon arrival.

Baatweng added that two passengers aged 16 and nine years had sustained serious injuries on their heads and were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), whereas the rest were admitted for observation.

Later that night, the teenage girl who is the neighbour and family friend’s daughter, also passed away, Baatweng said. He said on Thursday the deceased driver’s son took his last breath whilst in the ICU.

The surviving three victims were treated and discharged from NRH and are still recovering from minor injuries at their respective homes.

Investigations on the matter are ongoing.