SEVEN people were killed instantly when a minibus taxi they were travelling in was hit by a truck on its right side.
The accident happened on the R50 road between Leandra and Standerton in Mpumalanga on Sunday night, 23 October.
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesman Moeti Mmusi confirmed that five of the victims were women.
“Two people were seriously injured and among them is the driver of the truck and one passenger who was in the minibus taxi. Two minibus taxi passengers escaped with slight injuries. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Evander Hospital. The road was closed for hours as the emergency personnel and law enforcement officers were working on clearing the scene. It was later partially opened for traffic,” he said.
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Mmusi said at the time of the crash, the truck was transporting coal from Standerton to Leandra.
The minibus taxi was believed to be transporting passengers from a church meeting in KZN to Devon.
“The investigation is already underway but reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out,” he said.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Shongwe appealed to motorists to observe the rules and play their part in making our roads safer.
“While we are awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the crash, we are once more making a plea to motorists to obey the rules. It is saddening for families to lose their loved ones as a result of crashes that are avoidable,” he said.
