Cape Town - A head-on collision involving a minibus taxi travelling from the Western Cape towards the Eastern Cape has led to the death of 15 people on the N9 just outside Graaff-Reinet.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, among the deceased are two children, aged between 6 and 7 years old.
“An SUV, Mazda CX5 – with six occupants – and a fully loaded minibus taxi from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape collided head-on. All six occupants of the SUV died on the scene, along with nine occupants from the minibus taxi,” the department said.
The Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal said it is also beefing up law enforcement along the province’s highways following two major truck crashes on the N3 at the weekend.
On Saturday, emergency services attended to a crash just before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza.
Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics said a truck driver allegedly lost control, causing the vehicle to crash into a bus, minibus taxi and three cars.
“Approximately 15 people sustained various injuries and once stabilised at the scene, they were all transported to various Durban hospitals for the further care that they required," he said. In a crash just hours before, a truck driver was killed and 15 injured in a crash in the same vicinity.
Jamieson said paramedics arrived at the scene to find carnage and chaos.
“Approximately six trucks and five vehicles were involved in the crash, leaving multiple people entrapped and injured. Immediately, more ambulances as well as Advanced Life Support paramedics were dispatched to assist. The eThekweni Fire Department was also requested to assist with the necessary rescue tools,” he said.
In the Western Cape, the Department of Mobility said between November 25 and December 8, 114 arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 33 pedestrians lost their lives on the province’s roads.
Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said: “This festive season, we urge every road user to make safety their top priority. Whether you are driving, walking, or cycling, your actions can save lives. Our traffic officers are fully mobilised and will enforce a zero-tolerance approach to offenders. Let us work together to make this a festive season one to remember for all the right reasons.”