Most the victims have been described as breadwinners for their respective families and it was a very sombre atmosphere.

Read: Memorial service for 18 crash victims

The service was graced by the presence of the MEC for safety, security and community liaison, Mr Pat Ngomane, the deputy minister of transport, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, former ANC provincial secretary, Mr Lucky Ndinisa, executive mayor of Emakhazeni local municipality, Cllr Hamza Ngwenya and delegates from Nkomati Mine.

Delivering his condolences, Ngwenya urged thefamilies and the entire community not to mourn the deceased, but to celebrate their lives.