TWO massive road accidents claimed 14 lives in a space of 24 hours and saw 23 people injured in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday.
Five people died and 13 were injured when a heavy truck collided with a taxi from the Quarry Heights Association. This was between Queen Nandi and Imvubu Park Drive at Riverhorse Valley, Durban.
Another vehicle was slightly damaged but nobody was injured.
On Sunday afternoon, nine people died and 10 sustained serious injuries when a taxi collided with a bakkie at Helpmekaar, near Ladysmith.
Mluleki Mntungwa of the KZN Department of Transport said an investigation to establish the causes of both accidents was underway.
“It is concerning that these accidents happened while everyone is preparing for the Easter holidays. The department is currently putting together a safety plan for the holidays,” he said.
Provincial chairman of Santaco, Sifiso Ntshangase said: “We appeal to our drivers to ensure the safety of our passengers. Hlokomela, our road safety wing, will also work with traffic cops as the holidays approach.”
KZN police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said 14 cases of culpable homicide were being investigated.
“Circumstances surrounding the accidents are being investigated,” he said.