A devastating road accident on the N2 near Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal has claimed 11 lives, with nine victims burnt beyond recognition after a taxi collided with a truck on Sunday morning. The taxi, carrying music enthusiasts home from a Maskandi festival hosted by Sgwebo in Melmoth, caught fire in the crash, which occurred around 4am. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
The accident involved a taxi and a truck travelling towards the uMfolozi sugar mill. Nine people died at the scene, with two more succumbing to their injuries shortly after arrival at hospital. A further nine people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have confirmed that the victims were returning home from a cultural and musical event.
Premier Ntuli has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, and friends of the victims, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking. He emphasized that losing so many lives in a single road crash is particularly tragic, especially when people were simply returning home after attending a cultural event. Ntuli's thoughts and prayers are with the families during this extremely painful time.
The Premier has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the early hours of the morning when fatigue can significantly affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. He appealed to motorists not to take unnecessary risks on the roads and to rest when tired, ensuring that the lives of passengers and other road users are not put at risk.
Ntuli also called on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in enforcing road safety laws, including preventing motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol and ensuring that vehicles operating on the roads are roadworthy. He stressed that road safety remains a collective responsibility and urged public transport operators and drivers to put passenger safety ahead of all other considerations.
The Premier thanked uMtubatuba Mayor Mxolisi Mthethwa, emergency services, law enforcement, and community members for their swift response to the crash, praising their efforts under extremely difficult circumstances. Authorities are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, with the priority being to support the affected families and assist the injured.
Ntuli has called for continued support for the affected families as authorities undertake the difficult process of identifying the deceased. The Premier's office will continue to provide assistance to those affected by this tragedy. Key officials are working closely with emergency services to provide aid and support to those in need.
Key points
- 11 people killed in a taxi-truck collision on the N2 near Mtubatuba
- KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli offers condolences to the families of the victims
- Authorities urge motorists to exercise caution and enforce road safety laws to prevent similar tragedies
