11 Dead in KZN Road Tragedy as Trucker Makes Illegal U-Turn
Eleven people lost their lives in a tragic accident involving a truck and a minibus taxi in Lotus Park, Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal. This incident, which took place recently, has sparked concerns about road safety and vehicle compliance in the area.
KZN Road Tragedy Overview
The collision, which included a school pupil among the deceased, occurred when the truck allegedly made an illegal U-turn. Witnesses reported that this maneuver led to a head-on crash with the minibus taxi. Officials described the crash scene as horrific, with emergency teams working diligently to rescue survivors.
Investigation Launched
KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He emphasized the importance of understanding what occurred, stating, “It is for these reasons I have mandated the RTI team to work with Durban Metro Police and SAPS as part of an investigation.”
- Location: Lotus Park, Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal
- Fatalities: 11, including a student
- Injuries: 6 seriously injured, taken to hospital
- Investigating Bodies: RTI, Durban Metro Police, SAPS
Safety Concerns and Support for Victims
MEC Duma noted that both vehicles involved had safety violations. Initial investigations suggested dangerous driving behaviors were at play. The truck’s tires were found to be worn out, while the minibus taxi was reportedly overloaded with 17 passengers instead of the permitted 15.
While reflecting on the tragedy, Duma mentioned it occurred shortly after the province had recorded an 18% reduction in road fatalities during the festive season. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and has assigned a team to assist them in this difficult time.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing issues related to road safety in KwaZulu-Natal. As investigations proceed, authorities are urged to address the factors contributing to vehicular accidents to prevent future tragedies.
