The accident happened in Imbali on Thursday morning.
Five children have died in a taxi-related accident in Pietermaritzburg, says KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for transport and human settlements Siboniso Duma.
It is understood that the accident happened in Imbali on Thursday morning after the driver apparently lost control of his taxi when the brakes apparently failed on the twisty road before ploughing into the crèche.
Several other pupils sustained injuries in the crash.
Duma’s spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said a team from the MEC’s office is interacting with teachers from Senzokuhle Preschool and councillors from Ward 10 and 15.
“According to a preliminary report, a taxi driver lost control of his minibus taxi and it plunged into the preschool.
“Learners were being transported from Ward 10 to high and primary schools in Ward 15. Fortunately, of the 49 children attending the preschool, only five witnessed the accident. They all survived,” Sibiya said.
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Allegations
Sibiya said they are saddened by the death of the five pupils.
“More shocking is the allegation made by neighbours that the driver of the minibus taxi jumped out of the moving vehicle before it plunged into the pre-school.
“In this regard, we have mandated our Road Traffic Inspectorate to work with the police as part of the investigation. The driver was taken by the police to hospital,” Sibiya said.
Investigation
Sibiya said they had several questions about how the accident happened.
“We want to establish why the taxi driver jumped out of the moving minibus taxi, leaving children trapped inside, and the roadworthiness of the minibus taxi. Also the status of the scholar transport as it has been confirmed that it belongs to the Azaliya Taxi Association in Imbali.”
Support
Sibiya said they were supporting the affected families during this difficult period.
“We are working closely with MEC for health Nomagugu Simelane, MEC for education Sipho Hlomuka, mayor of Umgungundlovu district Mzi Zuma and mayor of Umsunduzi municipality Mzimkhulu Thebolla to plan a mass funeral.
“We will ensure that there is a restoration of the damaged early childhood development infrastructure for the children. Importantly, the MEC for social development Mbali Shinga will assist with the coordination of counseling to the children, teachers and affected families,” Sibiya said.
Duma has conveyed his condolences to the families of the pupils killed in the accident.
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