Five people were killed and 12 others were injured when a minibus tax in which they were travelling overturned near Libode in the Eastern Cape on Thursday September 5.
The accident happened on a gravel road in Magwenyane.
Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose said that the vehicle was fully loaded and travelling from Mthatha to Majola location, passing Magwenyane location. The drive lost control and it overturned.
“It is believed that brake failure contributed to the crash as it is said to have reversed in hilly terrain.”
Among the victims were two children, the youngest of which was only two months old, he said.
“Three other passengers sustained severe injuries, while nine others, including the driver, escaped with minor injuries,” Binqose said.
Local officials expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. “This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said a representative from the Eastern Cape Department of Transport. “Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones.”
This tragic incident underscores the importance of road safety measures in the Eastern Cape, a region known for its challenging driving conditions. Calls for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws have grown louder in the wake of this incident, with local leaders urging motorists to exercise caution.
A case of culpable homicide was opened at the Libode police station.
IOL