A tragic accident in South Africa claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals when a minibus taxi collided with a truck near Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province. This incident occurred shortly after a similar crash that resulted in the death of 14 schoolchildren. According to provincial transport department official Siboniso Duma, preliminary reports indicate that 11 people, including a schoolchild, lost their lives at the crash site. Witnesses alleged that the collision occurred when the truck driver made a U-turn, leading to a head-on impact.
Garrith Jamieson, the spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, confirmed that 11 individuals died in the accident, with several others sustaining critical injuries. The minibus driver was among those critically injured and was trapped in the wreckage. Investigations revealed that the truck was operating with worn-out tires, in violation of regulations. Additionally, it was discovered that the taxi driver’s professional license, required for public transportation operations in South Africa, had expired in 2023.
This tragic event follows another fatal collision involving a truck and a minibus taxi used for transporting schoolchildren near Johannesburg. The minibus driver involved in that incident was arrested and charged with 14 counts of murder for allegedly driving recklessly. In response to the rising number of traffic fatalities involving public transportation, South African Transport Minister Barbara Creecy expressed deep concerns and called for an investigation into the recent collision. The Road Traffic Management Corporation has been tasked with collaborating with local authorities to determine the cause of the accident, with a preliminary report expected within 48 hours.
Minibus taxis are a popular mode of public transportation in South Africa, utilized by approximately 70% of commuters. Despite accounting for only 3% of the global vehicle population, Africa faces significant road safety challenges, with approximately 300,000 people losing their lives in crashes annually. The continent has the highest road traffic fatality rate globally, with 26.6 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to the global average of around 18, as reported by the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
