Pietermaritzburg – At least five people have died and 12 others were injured, three critically, after a minibus taxi lost control and plunged down an embankment on the N3 near the Mariannhill Toll Plaza yesterday afternoon.
According to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, the taxi veered off the road, ejecting several passengers before rolling approximately 50 meters down the slope. Emergency services, including multiple ambulance teams and police, worked tirelessly to retrieve victims from the wreckage in what responders described as a “difficult terrain.”
Reckless Driving Blamed for Tragedy
Preliminary reports from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport indicate that the crash was caused by a reckless driver of a Volkswagen Polo, who allegedly forced the taxi off the road. Transport official Mr. Bentley stated that witnesses, including truck drivers, reported the Polo driver’s dangerous maneuvering, leading to the taxi losing control.
“The MC for Transport has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” Bentley said. “Our teams are working to locate next of kin while prioritizing the injured, who have been transported to nearby hospitals.”
Ongoing Rescue and Road Safety Crackdown
Rescue operations continued into the evening as authorities worked to recover the bodies of the deceased. Meanwhile, the provincial transport department has intensified road safety operations ahead of the busy July holiday period.
Bentley revealed that 270 vehicles were stopped in multi-disciplinary roadblocks earlier today, with 31 drivers fined for traffic violations. “We are coming down hard on reckless driving,” he emphasized, noting that enforcement will be heightened throughout the winter season due to increased accident risks from reduced visibility.
Appeal for Caution
As investigations continue, officials have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly during peak travel periods. The death toll serves as a grim reminder of South Africa’s ongoing road safety challenges, with young drivers disproportionately affected.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, and authorities are coordinating with families. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
