A devastating head-on collision near Bergville this morning has left five people dead, including two minors, and three others seriously injured. The accident involved two vehicles, one of which caught fire and was completely engulfed in flames.
According to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the victims included a toddler aged between two and three years old and a teenager between 13 and 14 years old. The other deceased were the drivers of both vehicles—a Nissan NV350 (also referred to as a “Midnight”) with seven occupants and a Volkswagen Polo with only the driver inside.
RTI spokesperson Sindi Msimang confirmed that three survivors were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The exact cause of the crash remains unclear, though preliminary reports suggest the Polo driver may have lost control, leading to the collision.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma expressed his condolences and assured families of the deceased that the department would assist with funeral arrangements. He has also requested a full report from the RTI to determine the cause of the accident.
“The scene has been cleared, and the road is now open, but our hearts are heavy with this loss,” said an RTI official. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash.
