3 learners die in KZN truck crash

Police have launched a manhunt for the owner of a truck involved in a crash that killed three pupils near Jozini in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, the Department of Transport said.

The truck was allegedly being driven on a wet gravel road by an underage and unlicensed male school learner when it overturned.

Two learners died on the spot and another in hospital while six other pupils, including the driver, sustained critical injuries and were taken to hospital.

The owner of the truck, who is believed to be a relative of the driver, is allegedly on the run.

KZN Transport MEC, Willies Mchunu, on Tuesday condemned the alleged truck owner’s “recklessness” and “total disregard” of the law.

“This conduct should be strongly condemned and the police must speedily apprehend the owner of the truck so they can take full responsibility for the tragedy,“ he said.

Mchunu added that the department expects the law to take its full course and a detailed investigation to ensue in order to provide more information regarding the accident.

In a similar incident, fifteen children were injured after the taxi they were traveling in lost control and overturned in Montclair, Durban on Monday.

According to paramedics, several children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old were found injured around the vehicle, following the crash.

The cause of the crash remained unknown.

– Caxton News Service