KWAZULU-NATAL — Fourteen people were injured after a minibus taxi overturned in Cottonlands, KZN, during the early hours of Thursday, October 22. The severe incident occurred on Vincent Dickenson Road, triggering a swift emergency response from local safety units.
A spokesperson for the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) confirmed that the crash was first noticed at approximately 04:50 by a RUSA member who was traveling toward Canelands. The spokesperson noted that the official immediately alerted the operations center, leading to the swift deployment of additional reaction officers to assist the first responder, secure the scene, and aid the victims.
According to the driver, who spoke with responding officers at the scene, the white Toyota Quantum was transporting thirteen passengers from Cottonlands toward Canelands. The driver explained that the vehicle’s steering allegedly became difficult to turn just as they approached a bend. This mechanical issue reportedly caused the driver to lose control of the minibus taxi, resulting in it overturning and coming to rest on the left side of the roadway.
Emergency medical personnel arrived to treat the driver and all thirteen passengers on the scene. The RUSA spokesperson stated that the victims sustained various injuries, with complaints specifically including leg injuries, chest pain, and neck pain. All fourteen individuals received prompt medical attention at the site of the crash.
