MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE ROAD ACCIDENT FUND FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 17 OCTOBER 2014 RAF SUPPORTS ALBERTON TRUCK HORROR ACCIDENT VICTIMS ______________________________________________________________________________ The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has begun providing assistance to the victims and families of this week’s horror crash on the N12 East near Alberton, during which a truck ploughed into almost 50 vehicles, leaving four dead and scores of others injured. The police are still compiling accident reports; meanwhile families of the deceased are being visited by RAF representatives today. A report is being finalised by RAF consultants on the victim who passed away at Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto due to injuries sustained in the accident. Further attempts are also being made to contact all those who were injured to provide them with the necessary support and assistance with regards the lodging of their claims. Dr Eugene Watson, RAF Chief Executive Officer, said: “We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and a speedy recovery to the injured. Road safety is a collective responsibility of all road users and it is imperative that we all play our part in reducing accidents and fatalities.” Page 1 of 2 Dr Watson added the RAF will be supporting families of the deceased by covering basic funeral expenses before claims are lodged, a service the RAF offers to all relatives of those who die on the roads. This is to alleviate the financial burden the affected families experience during this difficult time. Funeral costs that are covered include the coffin (or cremation), grave fees, hiring of equipment to lower the coffin into the grave, digging of the grave, hearse, storage and transportation of the body. Tombstones, food (catering), flowers, priests, programmes and telephone expenses are not included. In addition, the RAF will be providing support for loss of income, loss of support and general damages (bodily injuries) to those who meet the set criteria Anyone who wishes to find out more details about RAF’s assistance and support can contact our Call Centre on 0860 23 55 23. Issued by Road Accident Fund Media and Public Relations Unit Linda Rulashe Senior Manager: Media & Public Relations Tel: (012) 621-1605 Mobile: 083-386-3929 Email: [email protected] Sello Mosotho Media & PR Specialist: Media & Public Relations Tel: (012) 621 – 1838 Mobile: 083-627-1779 Email: [email protected] Page 2 of 2