Tragic collision in Isipingo claims 11 lives, including a learner
A tragic collision in Isipingo claims 11 lives, including a child, as emergency services respond to the scene.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
JUST after 7.30 a.m. this morning, ALS paramedics received numerous calls of urgent medical assistance needed on the R102, where a devastating crash in Lotus Park, Isipingo, south of Durban, resulted in the death of 11 people, including a learner.
The incident involved a taxi and a truck, leading to a significant emergency response.
Spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said that multiple ambulance services and the eThekwini Fire Department rushed to the scene, where they found a taxi pinned against a tree with passengers trapped inside.
“At this stage, I can confirm that 11 people have been confirmed deceased on the scene and approximately eight others have been rushed through to various hospitals with serious to critical injuries as a result of this accident," says Jamieson.
He also confirmed that a 13-year-old learner has died.
Rescue teams worked frantically to free the entrapped taxi driver while paramedics treated the injured.
The roadway has been closed off by RTI and Metro Police to allow investigations to proceed, with authorities urging motorists to avoid the area due to heavy traffic backlogs.
“It’s a devastating and ugly scene, with multiple emergency vehicles in attendance," said Jamieson.
The MEC for Transport and Human settlements, Siboniso Duma, said that according to witnesses, it is alleged that the truck driver made a U-Turn, resulting in a head-on collision.
"It is for these reasons I have mandated the RTI team to work with Durban Metro Police and SAPS as part of an investigation. We want to establish the cause of this accident," says Duma.
"This accident has occurred after we recorded a historic 18% decrease in fatalities during the festive season".
"We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims," he added.
This is a developing story.