Johannesburg – Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has urged government to respect the families of those who died in the Moloto Road accident, during funeral preparations.

“My humble appeal to all of you including government is to respect the families and understand the pain they are experiencing,” he said.

Mabuza was speaking on Friday at a memorial service for the 30 people who died in an accident on Moloto Road, near Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga, on Monday night.

A truck drove into the back of a tipper truck, before colliding with a Putco bus and a bakkie.

Twenty-nine people died on the scene.

One of the eight critically injured died later in hospital. Twenty-two people were injured.

Mabuza assured about 2 000 people at the service that government was in the late stages of discussions about Moloto Road.

“Working together we can do more to fight road carnage and push forward the message of road safety.”

The memorial service was attended by Mpumalanga MECs, local leaders, traditional leaders and the community.

A mass funeral would be held at the Matshiding Sports Ground on Sunday morning.

SAPA