The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr. Mxolisi Kaunda has called for strict adherence to road rules following a fatal crash that claimed seven lives on the R74 near Bergville last night (13 October 2018).
Preliminary investigation reveals that a light motor vehicle was trying to overtake a minibus taxi when it collided head-on with an oncoming truck. The minibus that was being overtaken also got involved in the crash. Six passengers died on the scene, nine were critically injured and two escaped with minor injuries.
The injured were transported to Emmaus hospital and Ladysmith Provincial Hospital to receive medical care. Four of the deceased (females) were allegedly in the minibus and the other two from the light motor vehicle is believed to be the driver and a passenger. Another passenger succumbed to injuries at Emmaus Hospital bringing the death toll to seven.
The minibus taxi was travelling from Durban to QwaQwa when the crash occurred.
MEC Kaunda has called for a thorough investigations into the cause of the crash. Department of transport officials are gathering information to establish whether the deceased are from KwaZulu-Natal or the Free State.
MEC Kaunda expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those in hospital a speedy recovery. “It is deeply saddening that we continue to experience crashes that could have been avoided if road rules were thoroughly observed. I want to make a call to all road users to adhere to road rules, especially as we are preparing for the upcoming busy festive season. Since October is transport month, I have instructed all traffic officers in the province to conduct law enforcement operations 24/7 on all major roads in the province so that we can save lives,” said Kaunda.
He has also called for law enforcers to deal harshly with those who continue to disregard the rules of the road. “They must pay special attention to reckless and negligent driving, over speeding, un-roadworthy vehicles as well as drinking and driving,” said Kaunda.