Driver of taxi is killed in horror head-on collision

STEELPOORT – One person has been killed and 14 others injured after a taxi collided with a bakkie on the road between Steelpoort and Riba Cross. The horrific accident occurred next to Winterveld at about 09:30 on Tuesday.

“The driver of the taxi tragically died at the scene while the driver of the bakkie also sustained serious injuries.

Thirteen passengers of the taxi were rushed to Dilokong Hospital to nurse their injuries. There was extensive damage to both cars, and the driver of the taxi needed to be extricated from the vehicle,” said one of the traffic officers.

According to the first person on the scene, the two vehicles, an Inyathi minibus and Isuzu bakkie collided head-on. The bakkie from Zizwe Mining Company was travelling to the side of the R37 while the taxi was heading towards Steelpoort.

Paramedics and firefighters who arrived at the scene had to use the Jaws of Life to free some of the injured from the wreckage. Once stabilised, they were taken to hospital for further treatment.

Burgersfort SAPS are investigating the cause of the accident.