DURBAN – A major road accident claimed the lives of 11 people this morning shortly after 08:00 in Isiphingo, South of Durban.
According to a statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, the accident involving a truck and a minibus taxi took place in Lotus Park.
“According to a preliminary report from our dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), unfortunately 11 people, including a learner, have died in this horrific accident,” Duma confirmed.
Six other people were seriously injured and have been taken to the nearest hospital.
Emergency services personel were working to free crash vicims from the wreckage. Traffic along the R102 was severely impacted.
Duma have mandated the RTI team to work with Durban Metro Police and SAPS as part of an investigation, in order to establish the cause of this accident.
He stated that this accident occured after the province had recorded a historic 18% decrease in fatalities during the festive season.
The Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa have expressed serious concern with the persistent rise in the number of road fatalities due to road crashes involving public transport modes. Creecy and Hlengwa have also extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased during this challenging time and they wish for a swift recovery of all the injured.
The preliminary investigation report is expected in 48 hours.
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