KwaZulu-Natal
Photos supplied
At least 11 people, including a school learner, were killed on Thursday, 29 January, in a collision involving a truck and a minibus taxi in Lotus Park, Isiphingo. Six other passengers sustained serious injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said he was travelling from Pietermaritzburg to the scene following reports of the crash. A preliminary assessment by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) confirmed the number of fatalities.
The accident occurred shortly after the province recorded an 18% reduction in road fatalities during the recent festive season, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety despite recent gains.
According to witnesses, the truck allegedly made a U-turn on the M35, resulting in a head-on collision with the minibus taxi. Authorities have not yet confirmed these claims.
Duma said RTI officers had been instructed to work in conjunction with Durban Metro Police and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine factors such as driver behaviour, vehicle roadworthiness, speed, visibility and compliance with traffic regulations.
A departmental team has also been assigned to locate and assist the families of the victims, including coordinating support services.
Transport authorities have reiterated calls for heightened vigilance on the province’s roads, particularly on routes with high volumes of public transport and heavy vehicles. Officials have repeatedly warned that unsafe manoeuvres, speeding and failure to observe traffic rules remain leading contributors to fatal crashes in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Department of Transport urged motorists to exercise caution, obey road signage and avoid risky driving practices, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility among all road users.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.