A devastating head-on collision claimed the lives of five people, including two young children, last night on the R66 near the Dokodweni Bridge in KwaGingindlovu, KZN.

According to The North Coast Courier, the crash between a light motor vehicle and a bakkie left seven others seriously injured.

Among the deceased are a family of four – a mother, father, their three-year-old child and a two-month-old baby – and a fifth passenger. They were travelling from Nongoma to Durban when their vehicle, a Hyundai i10, was involved in the crash.

Three children travelling in the Hyundai i10 survived with serious injuries.

IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick confirmed the occupants of the bakkie – two adults and two children – were also seriously injured.

“Advanced life support paramedics stabilised the critically injured before transporting them to nearby medical facilities for further treatment. Emergency services worked tirelessly to manage the scene,” said Meyrick.

She extended thanks to the uMlalazi and Mandeni Fire Departments, additional ambulance services and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in Gingindlovu for their co-ordinated efforts during the rescue operation.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

Meanwhile, Zululand Observer reports KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has expressed condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.

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