South Africa Road Crash: 11 Killed in Minibus Taxi and Truck Collision
JOHANNESBURG — At least 11 people, including a schoolchild, lost their lives in a devastating collision between a minibus taxi and a truck in South Africa on Thursday. This tragedy occurred just over a week after a similar road crash claimed the lives of 14 schoolchildren, raising serious concerns about road safety in the country.
The early morning crash took place near the city of Durban in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province. According to a statement released by Siboniso Duma, a provincial transport department official, preliminary information indicates that 11 individuals died at the scene.
Details of the Collision
Witnesses allege that the truck driver executed a U-turn, leading to a head-on collision with the minibus taxi. Mr. Duma confirmed that a thorough investigation will be conducted by both metropolitan and national police to determine the exact cause of the accident and assign responsibility.
Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for the private paramedic service ALS Paramedics, reported from the scene that in addition to the 11 fatalities, seven people were critically injured. The driver of the minibus taxi was trapped within the wreckage, and emergency personnel worked diligently to extricate him.
Recent History of Tragic Accidents
This fatal collision follows closely on the heels of another deadly head-on crash on January 19th near Johannesburg. That incident involved a minibus transporting schoolchildren and a truck. The driver of the minibus was arrested and initially charged with an offense comparable to manslaughter, but the charges were later upgraded to 14 counts of murder. Authorities allege the driver was driving recklessly, overtaking a line of vehicles before colliding with the truck. Furthermore, it was discovered that the driver’s permit to operate a minibus had expired.
The Role of Minibus Taxis in South Africa
Minibus taxis are the primary mode of public transportation for a significant portion of the South African population, serving an estimated 70% of commuters. Government statistics indicate that over 10 million people rely on these minibuses for their daily commute within a country of 62 million. Operating during peak commuter hours, these vehicles are unfortunately frequently involved in serious road accidents.
Africa’s Road Safety Crisis
South Africa’s tragedy is part of a larger, continent-wide problem with road safety. Africa experiences a disproportionately high number of road traffic fatalities, with approximately 300,000 deaths annually – representing roughly a quarter of the global total. According to the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa, the continent has the world’s highest road traffic fatality rate, at 26.6 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the global average of around 18. This alarming statistic exists despite Africa accounting for only about 3% of the world’s vehicle population.
Sources: AP News – Africa, U.N. Economic Commission for Africa
Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.
