14 DAY TRIAL // A truck crash in South Africa on Thursday caused the death of 27 people. The truck collided with seven cars near Pinetown, KuaZulu-Natal province.
ENCA informed that the incident took place in the Fields Hill area on the M13 during the evening.
Officials stated that 19 people were pronounced dead at the scene. Many others were injured and they were transported to local hospitals.
“[It's] a total disaster here. [A] heavy-goods truck came down through Fields Hill and collided with two cars on the M13 and then four taxis and another car.
“Seven critical, eight serious injuries and miraculously, 11 escaped with relatively minor injuries,” Netcare911 spokesperson Chris Botha describes.
According to the latest toll, at least 32 people were wounded. The accident took place as the driver failed to stop at a red light in a busy intersection.
The minibuses were used as cabs and several passengers were inside. ENCA added that the other vehicle which was hit yesterday was a Volkswagen with passengers aboard.
“All people have been stabilized on scene and taken to hospitals around Durban,” Botha says.
City Press details that the lorry driver has been charged with homicide and recklessness.
“He has been charged with culpable homicide, and reckless and negligent driving,” Colonel Vincent Mdunge explains.
However, KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Zinhle Mngomezulu mentions that an inspection of the truck has revealed that it has incurred issues with the breaking system. The vehicle is owned by the Evergreen Transport company.
South African political parties have expressed their condolences after the horrific crash.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to families of the deceased and those injured.
“We call on communities where the victims reside to give support and assistance that will help them cope with this tragedy. The South African community must keep these families in their prayers,” states Jackson Mthembu, a spokesperson for the African National Congress.