An early morning crash between a taxi and a Ford Ranger left at least six people dead and seven others injured.
Shortly before 05:00 this morning paramedics from numerous services were dispatched to the scene on the M57 at Olifantsfontein Road [Old Pretoria Main Road] in Tembisa where they found a taxi lying on its roof. The taxi was well alight when paramedics arrived on the scene. Paramedics found seven people with several injuries a few meters away from the taxi. One of them was in a serious condition. It is believed that they managed to escape the burning taxi through the broken windows.
An emergency helicopter was called to the scene to airlift one of the injured from the scene. The woman that was airlifted sustained severe burn wounds and possible fractures. The remainder of the patients were also treated for burn wounds and possible fractures.
Fire fighters extinguished the fire when they arrived on scene.
Upon further assessment paramedics found what appears to be six people, including a child, which burnt to death inside of the taxi. Unfortunately it was extremely difficult for paramedics to identify the exact amount of bodies at the time. One of the injured occupants stated that there might have been eight people still in the taxi, however this could not be confirmed on scene.
The driver of the Ford Ranger sustained moderate injuries and was also transported to a local hospital.
The exact cause of the incident is not yet known. The incident was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.
