Taxi driver freed from wreckage after 3 hours, survives horror KZN crash that killed 11

The driver of the taxi crash that claimed 11 lives has been freed from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital in a critical condition. 

ALS Paramedics said the Jaws of Life were used to extricate the driver in an operation that spanned three hours. 

The accident took place on the R102, near Lotus Park, Isipingo, south of Durban, on Thursday morning. 

Spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said a truck and taxi collided head-on just after 7:30 am, with both vehicles leaving the roadway and going up an embankment. 

"Multiple patients were found entrapped, and immediately, the eThekwini Fire Department was called to assist. 

"Unfortunately, 11 people have lost their lives on the scene, including a 13-year-old.

"Approximately eight others have sustained critical injuries and have been rushed to the hospital." 

He said the roadway remains closed and will remain closed for investigations to continue.

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, is on his way to the accident scene.  

He extended his condolences to the family of the victims. 

"This accident has occurred after we recorded a historic 18% decrease in fatalities during the festive season."

The MEC said a team was assigned from the DOT locate the families of the victims.

"We will do everything in our power to ensure that they receive the necessary support.

"Witnesses have alleged that the truck driver made a u-turn resulting in a head-on collision. It is for these reasons that I have mandated the RTI team to work with the Durban Metro Police and SAPS as part of an investigation. We want to establish the cause of this accident."

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