TALKS for a mass funeral are under way between the government and families of the seven people killed during an alleged drag racing incident at Tshidzini village outside Thohoyandou.

The spokesman for bereaved relatives, Daniel Rangani, said the local Thulamela municipality and Vhembe district municipality had promised to help with funeral costs.

"As families we are struggling to come to accept what happened. The last time we saw them alive was when they were going to watch a soccer game. We did not think that they will not return home alive," said Rangani.

He said they would be meeting government officials to discuss how the municipality would help.

ANC ward councilor in Thulamela, Tshilidzi Malada, said a task team had been set up to establish the affected families' needs.

"Government will be helping to make sure that the victims are buried in a dignified manner," said Malada.

He said a memorial service had been scheduled for tomorrow .

The victims were killed on Saturday after a Toyota Yaris driver involved in an alleged drag racing along the Mukula-Mhinga road lost control of the vehicle and drove into the victims.

The dead are Tsumbedzo Ravhanga, Kennedy Nemaungani, DephneyMbedzi, Muneiwa Munwaiyi, Thifhelimbilu Magaliba, Vhusiwana Rangani and Wilson Ravhanga. Four people, including a driver and a one-year-old child, were taken to hospital.

Road and transport spokesman Thesan Moodley said "drag racing or no drag racing", speeding wasirresponsible behavior and a serious offence.