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23 Oct 2010

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Willies Mchunu has expressed his shock after receiving a report that 18 people died following a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bakkie today Saturday, 23 October 2010.

It is alleged that on road P601 Franklin near Kokstad a minibus taxi collided head-on with a bakkie killing 18 people instantly. Our preliminary report indicates that one of the drivers failed to negotiate with a bend and our officers are working hard in investigating the cause of the accident.

Members of the emergency services are still on the scene trying to extract more entrapped bodies and a case of culpable homicide will be opened. Seven people who were injured have been transported to Usher Memorial Hospital.

“It is very shocking and unacceptable that we can lose so many lives on our roads in a single incident. I urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the cause of the accident and I appeal to all motorists to be vigilant on the road and to exercise patience at all times to curb such accidents. One death is one too many. I also extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries,” said Mchunu.

For more information contact:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 or 079 699 5755

Source: KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison

Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Transport
23 Oct 2010

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