Three people were killed when the driver of a midi-bus taxi lost control of the vehicle and it plunged into a river at Nzongiseni village in Mount Ayliff.
Arrive Alive spokesman Tshepo Machaea said the accident happened at 2.10pm.
“The driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and it went down and plunged into a river. But the people did not die from drowning. One of those who died was toddler. The other two were a man and woman. Seventeen passengers are injured, with nine in critical condition,” said Machaea, adding that the vehicle was from Mount Ayliff.
Machaea said it was suspected that the brakes of the Tata vehicle failed. The driver was one of the people who were injured in the crash. “Jaws of life were used to retrieve the bodies and those injured who were trapped in the wreckage,” said Machaea.
The injured were rushed to the Mount Ayliff Hospital and those critical were expected to be transferred to other hospitals.
The accident happened hardly an hour after the mass memorial service of of the 35 victims of the horrific bus crash which was held at KwaMhaga in Willowvale today, and addressed by Transport Minister Dipuo Peters.
Tshepo Machaea expressed shock over today’s accident. “As the minister said today, drivers must be cautious and obey speed limits. We want people to travel and come back home still alive,” said Machaea
He said there was fear that the water was contaminated with fuel and environment officials had been sent to the river where the accident happened.
Today, Peters said government was planning at reducing speed limits residential areas down from 60km/h to 40km/h. She also expressed concern over road infrastructure in rural areas.
BREAKING: Three people killed in another EC accident
Arrive Alive spokesman Tshepo Machaea said the accident happened at 2.10pm.
“The driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and it went down and plunged into a river. But the people did not die from drowning. One of those who died was toddler. The other two were a man and woman. Seventeen passengers are injured, with nine in critical condition,” said Machaea, adding that the vehicle was from Mount Ayliff.
Machaea said it was suspected that the brakes of the Tata vehicle failed. The driver was one of the people who were injured in the crash. “Jaws of life were used to retrieve the bodies and those injured who were trapped in the wreckage,” said Machaea.
The injured were rushed to the Mount Ayliff Hospital and those critical were expected to be transferred to other hospitals.
The accident happened hardly an hour after the mass memorial service of of the 35 victims of the horrific bus crash which was held at KwaMhaga in Willowvale today, and addressed by Transport Minister Dipuo Peters.
Tshepo Machaea expressed shock over today’s accident. “As the minister said today, drivers must be cautious and obey speed limits. We want people to travel and come back home still alive,” said Machaea
He said there was fear that the water was contaminated with fuel and environment officials had been sent to the river where the accident happened.
Today, Peters said government was planning at reducing speed limits residential areas down from 60km/h to 40km/h. She also expressed concern over road infrastructure in rural areas.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos