Traffic accidents over the past weekend claimed the lives of three persons, bringing the number of traffic related deaths for this year to 20.

A married couple and a solitary tourist died while a motorcyclist is currently fighting for his life in separate accidents which took place between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Meanwhile, others were hurt and one woman's condition was unknown after she was hit by a bus. A woman, 54 of German nationality, was knocked over by a car driven by a Maltese man on Saturday night after attempting to cross the road with her son, who is 30, on a zebra crossing. The accident happened in Ghajnsielem, Gozo. Shortly after being taken to hospital, the woman died.

The woman, who was on the island to visit her son who lives in Gozo, was expected to fly back to Germany today. Her son is thought to be suffering from extensive shock.

Magistrate Paul Coppini was informed of the case and appointed a number of court experts to assist in drawing up an inquiry.

A little while later, at around nine, a head on collision between two cars resulted in the death of a married couple. While the woman, 74, died on impact, her husband lost his life early yesterday morning after being taken to hospital suffering from grievous injuries.

The accident happened in St Paul's Bay, near the roundabout known as tal-Erba Imwiezeb. The collision was so bad that the two vehicles ended up on the roundabout itself. The driver of the other car, who is 18, and a passenger, got off slightly injured.

Duty magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima ordered an inquiry.

Meanwhile, a motorcyclist remains fighting for his life at the Intensive Therapy Unit within the Mater Dei hospital after smashing into a car driven by a 45-year-old man from Zurrieq on the Hal Far road yesterday morning. The motorcyclist overtook a car and ended up crashing into a Ford Escort, with the driver of the latter vehicle suffering slight injuries.

Another accident took place in San Gwann just after noon yesterday. It is understood that a 62-year-old was driving his vehicle down the Telgha t'Alla w'Ommu when he lost control and smashed into an oncoming vehicle. He was rushed to hospital but was later discharged after being treated for slight injuries.

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old woman from Zebbug was hit by a bus in Mosta last night. In a statement, the police said that the woman was rushed to hospital, but there was no information available as to her condition.