UPDATE: Deaths rise to seven in accident near Vryheid

KZN Emergency Services staff have confirmed that the number of deaths in the accident between Vryheid and Nongoma has risen to a total of 7.

17 people were being transported in the back of a bakkie around 19h00 last night when the driver, who is alleged to have been four and a half times over the drinking limit, lost control of the vehicle veering into the nearby crash barrier.

Six people (among whom there were two children) died on impact after being flung out of the vehicle at between 40 to 50 meter ranges.

The other 11 passengers were transported to Vryheid Hospital and nearby medical institutions for further treatment.

One more person was declared deceased this morning.

The driver of the bakkie sustained no injuries and was arrested by Ngome police and taken for blood tests.