2 die,16 injured in taxi-train smash

Two Ballito SuperSpar employees died and 16 were seriously injured on Sunday night when a taxi taking them home was hit by a train.
Paul Ramsamy and Denzil Chetty died in the horrific accident. After the taxi plunged down the N2 Chaka’s Rock bridge embankment, it landed across the railway tracks and was hit by a train.
The taxi left Ballito around 8.30pm and after the driver apparently failed to stop at the Chaka’s Rock offramp, he lost control of the taxi.
“He hit the steel railing and went down the embankment. The taxi stopped on the railway tracks where it was run over by a train,” said Umhlali SAPS media liaison officer captain Percy Buthelezi.
Netcare911, IPSS medical and EMRS paramedics took the injured passengers to nearby hospitals. The taxi driver allegedly ran away from the accident scene, but Buthelezi said police would find him.

“There are many people who can help us identify him so he will not  get away.”

Vanita Sheriff of Shakashead, whose son Justin was meant to be in the taxi but used other transport home on Sunday night, said Denzil Chetty was apparently sitting next to the driver.
Survivors told her that after the taxi landed on the train track Chetty jumped out and started pulling Ramsamy, his friend, out.
“The people he was helping were screaming for him. He turned his head as the train hooted. He was killed instantly and the taxi was dragged for a few metres. He died a hero and should be remembered as such.”
Sheriff believes that if the driver had helped instead of running away, the two would not have died.
“If he had not fled and had helped Denzil, they would still be alive. Thank you to the Renckens who were at the scene immediately, showing care and sympathy to their staff.”
Lifestyle Superspar owner Bruce Rencken said the Spar family has been shaken by the tragedy.
“The support from the community and customers has been incredible. To all the emergency workers  on the scene and the medical staff in the hospitals, a huge thank you for the professionalism, efficiency and speed with which the incident was handled. You were amazing in terms of your understanding, support of and empathy towards all the victims and their  families. To the family and friends of those who have lost loved ones and those who are  injured, our thoughts and prayers are  with you. To the Lifestyle Superspar family, a tragic day which we will never  forget.”
Commenting on the North Coast Courier website, several community members have questioned the safety of employees who leave work after hours and have to use public transport.
‘Arnonimous’, who is employed at another Spar, said he was horrified when he heard the news.
“What happened to them is really painful. To those who lost their loved ones, condolences.”
V Behari called the incident tragic and sad.
“Taxi drivers should be monitored very closely and made to follow a strict set of rules. Their job is to safely transport people, regardless of the time to the required destination. Lifestyle has created jobs for individuals. To pin their operating hours on this tragedy is not fair.”
Messages of condolences also streamed in on the Courier’s FaceBook page, with Shenaz Abdul Wahab remembering Ramsamy as “ the sweetest, most wonderful human being who was gentle and meek in nature”.
“My heart is so sore that he had to go in this horrific way. He received an accolade for excellent performance over 10 years of service at Spar on Saturday. May his soul rest in peace.”
Chetty was buried yesterday in Phoenix and Ramsamy’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, November 27.