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1 month ago
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Eleven people have been killed in an accident in Isipingo, in the south of Durban.
- Eleven people were killed and eight seriously injured when a taxi and truck collided on the R102 near Isipingo on Thursday morning.
- The taxi was pinned against a tree, with emergency crews working to free trapped passengers amid chaotic scenes.
- Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said preliminary reports point to a truck making a U-turn, with the road closed as investigations continue.
A devastating crash between a fully loaded taxi and a truck in Isipingo, in the south of Durban, claimed 11 lives on Thursday morning.
The collision occurred on the R102, also known as Wanda Cele Road, near the M35 off-ramp.
According to private ambulance service ALS Paramedics, the crash occurred just after 08:00.
Spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said emergency services were immediately alerted and paramedics rushed to the scene.
Jamieson said they were met with chaos. The taxi had been pinned against a tree and several passengers were trapped inside.
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He said the eThekwini fire department worked with urgency to free those who were trapped, while paramedics attended to the injured.
“At this stage, authorities have confirmed that 11 people have died, and approximately eight others sustained serious injuries and are receiving urgent medical care at nearby hospitals,” Jamieson said.
The collision has led to the complete closure of the roadway, with Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Durban Metro Police managing the scene.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said he was on his way to the crash site.
The scene of the horrific accident in KZN.
Duma said the accident comes shortly after KwaZulu-Natal recorded a historic 18% decrease in road fatalities during the festive season.
“Preliminary reports from witnesses suggest that the truck driver made a U-turn, leading to a head-on collision with the taxi,” he said.
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“This is a tragic day for KwaZulu-Natal, and we will do everything in our power to ensure the families receive the necessary support.”
Duma said the scene remained cordoned off as authorities continued investigations; motorists are urged to avoid the area due to traffic congestion.
