At least 11 dead in South Africa in latest crash involving a minibus taxi

Transportation Safety Incident in Durban

At least 11 individuals, including a schoolchild, lost their lives in a head-on collision between a truck and a minibus taxi near Durban, South Africa, on the morning of Thu, Oct 5, 2023.

Eight others sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. Preliminary reports indicate that the truck driver was attempting a U-turn when the collision occurred.

Vehicle Condition and Licensing Issues

Initial inspections by law enforcement identified that the truck had worn-out tyres. Additionally, the minibus taxi driver's license had reportedly expired several years ago, and the vehicle was allegedly overloaded. Both drivers, who survived the incident, are under police guard at the hospital.

The provincial transport department is advocating for charges of multiple murders against both drivers involved in the crash. This incident follows a similar event in Johannesburg last week, where 14 schoolchildren died in a minibus taxi crash. The driver in that case was charged with 14 counts of murder.

Ministerial Response and Public Transportation Concerns

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy expressed concerns over the increasing number of traffic fatalities involving public transportation. Minibus taxis are a primary mode of transport for approximately 70% of South Africans commuting daily.

Based on reporting by Africanews.