…as death toll rises
Hopolang Mokhopi
THE death toll from the devastating Kolonyama road accident has risen to 11, plunging the nation into deeper mourning as several others remain in critical condition following the fiery collision on Saturday morning.
The tragedy unfolded at Ha Molipa around 10am, when three vehicles; a passenger Sprinter, a VW Polo, and a Corolla “Cocroach”, collided on the notorious stretch along the Main North One road.
Nine people died at the scene, burned beyond recognition, while two more succumbed to injuries at Queen ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH). At least 14 others are currently receiving medical care, some in life-threatening condition.
Among the passengers were young men and women from Leribe, headed to a Church Young Women activity in Maseru West — a trip meant to nourish their faith, but which ended in unspeakable loss.
The Kolonyama legislator, Lempe Mahlathini, who visited the scene, described it as horrific. He confirmed that the Sprinter was carrying mostly youth, whose journey was cut short in a flash of flames and twisted metal.
“It was a devastating scene. Nine people died on the spot from the Sprinter alone, and two others from the Polo. They were simply going to church,” Mr Mahlathini told the Lesotho Times.
He called the road a known black spot, describing the stretch from Sechaba High School to the Likotopong Stop as particularly dangerous.
“It is not a matter of if another accident will happen there, but when,” he warned.
In an emotional plea, Mr Mahlathini said he had asked police and local council leaders to involve clergy in praying at the scene because this road needs spiritual intervention as much as physical safety measures.”
He also reached out to Minister of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane, urging him to take swift action to install speed humps and signage to reduce accidents in the open area, frequented by many pedestrians, especially the youth.
The aftermath of the crash saw a flurry of activity as medical teams and police responded swiftly.
According to Queen ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital Public Relations Manager, Thakane ’Makananelo Sepipi, patients were first rushed to Berea Hospital, before 14 were transferred to QMMH for more advanced care.
“Sadly, one patient was already deceased upon arrival. Seven patients were admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), five were placed in the female surgical ward, and one young patient was admitted into the pediatric surgical ward,” Ms Sepipi said.
Of those in the ICU, three were later airlifted to a Johannesburg hospital, two to Bloemfontein, while two remained at QMMH.
“The Director of Health Services, Dr Makhoase Ranyali, and the hospital management team were on the ground all weekend, working tirelessly to assist the medical staff. Their support was critical,” said Ms Sepipi.
She further shared that the Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, visited the patients on Saturday night, offering comfort and words of encouragement.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane followed suit, meeting survivors and their families and promising government support.
Speaking during his visit, Mr Matekane conveyed deep sorrow on behalf of the nation.
“Our hearts are heavy. We grieve with the families who lost their loved ones and stand with those fighting for their lives. This tragedy has shocked us all,” Mr Matekane said.
He committed to strengthening road safety measures and emergency response protocols, stating that government will work closely with relevant departments to ensure such incidents are prevented in future.
“I wish to thank the police, health workers, and all who responded swiftly. Their work saved lives. As a government, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide support to the survivors and bereaved families.”
The Prime Minister ended his message with a prayer for healing: “May God bless and protect our nation.”
Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Congress (DC) has expressed its deepest condolences to those affected by the tragic incident.
In a press release issued yesterday, the party said it had learned with “heavy hearts” of the “loss of precious lives” in the devastating incident, in which vehicles were engulfed in flames.
“We mourn alongside all Basotho for the souls who perished so painfully and we lift up in urgent prayer those who sustained severe injuries and are now fighting for their lives in hospital.
“This is a time of national grief, a moment of silence in our collective spirit. We call on every Mosotho, regardless of political or social standing, to bow their heads and remember the victims, mothers, fathers, children and friends, whose lives were cut short far too soon. May their souls find eternal rest and peace.”
The party commended the “first responders, medical personnel, and bystanders” who risked their own safety to assist.
“Your courage and humanity in the face of horror reminds us of the sacred thread that binds our people.”
The DC further urged the government to swiftly investigate the cause of the tragedy and implement measures to prevent similar incidents, emphasizing that “road safety is not a privilege but a right”.
To the grieving families, the DC offered a message of solidarity.
“We stand with you, pray with you and carry your pain as our own. We are a nation of faith and in this darkness, we turn to God for healing, strength, and understanding.
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds – Psalm 147:3.”
The statement concluded with a call for unity, reflection, and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of every Mosotho life, expressing a wish for the deceased to rest in peace, for the injured to make a full recovery, and for Lesotho to “rise in love.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members were most affected by the tragedy, also broke its silence through Elder Siyabonga Mkhize, the Area Seventy for the Church in the Africa South Area.
“As a Church, we are heartbroken by this tragic accident. We continue to extend our deepest condolences to all the affected individuals and families. We pray that all may receive healing and comfort through the atonement of Jesus Christ,” Elder Mkhize said.
He confirmed that the victims included young women between the ages of 12 and 17, accompanied by their local leaders from Maputsoe, to a Young Women activity in Maseru.
“It has been a difficult and heavy moment for all Church members and leaders. Church members have been united in providing comfort and support to all the affected individuals and families.
Elder Mkhize also welcomed the overwhelming support from both local and international Church members, including a message from Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the United States, who said: “Our faith points us to seek peace in Jesus Christ as we strive to minister to these families in their time of need”.
He said the Church was coordinating closely with the government to offer ongoing spiritual, emotional, and logistical assistance, including transportation support for families visiting injured loved ones, some of whom are hospitalised in South Africa.
“The entire Kingdom of Lesotho has been impacted by this tragic incident. We have received overwhelming support from the Queen, Prime Minister, various government officials and the Catholic Archbishop of Maseru.”
Elder Mkhize said funeral and memorial service arrangements were being finalized in consultation with families and government, with a joint announcement expected in the coming days.
