The preliminary investigations into the horrific accident involving a truck and minibus at Van Reenen’s Pass that killed 17 people on Monday night have revealed that the minibus lost control and veered into the truck’s lane. Investigations also revealed that the truck driver – a Zimababwean foreign national – contacted his employers before disappearing from the horrific scene.

Heavy rainfall, speed, vehicle defect and possible driver recklessness on the minibus driver’s part are factors being taken into consideration as the cause of the accident.

In a detailed report released by the spokesperson for MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, it was also confirmed that 17 people were killed in the crash with only one survivor – a baby girl – currently being treated in hospital.

A technical team led by the Head of the Department of Transport Siboniso Mbhele, Road Traffic Inspectorate and South African National Road Agency met with the South African Police Service under the leadership of Major General Gonya, the Cluster Commander of Thukela District yesterday to begin investigations.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said he has since requested the HoD and the entire team to visit “the brave little girl” in hospital.

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