Multiple people were injured in a head-on collision between two minibus taxis on the R69 Hlobane road outside Vryheid earlier today (Thursday).

One of the taxis was fully-laden with children being transported to school when the accident occurred at around 7am.

Upon arrival, KwaZulu Private Ambulance found a total of 24 people at the scene, two with life-threatening, critical head and chest injuries.

“Among them was a seven-year-old girl who required advanced life support intervention. The second critically injured patient, a male in his 40s, was found trapped within the twisted metal of the taxi.

“Members of the fire department utilised specialised hydraulic rescue equipment to perform a delicate extrication,” said KwaZulu Private Ambulance spokesperson Craig Botha.

The second mini-bus taxi was occupied only by the driver, with no passengers aboard.

“In addition to the critical patients, three others sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures and suspected spinal trauma.

“A further 19 patients, primarily school-aged children, suffered various minor injuries.

“All patients were stabilised at the scene before being strategically distributed to various local hospitals for specialised medical care,” said Botha.

The R69 remained completely obstructed for approximately 90 minutes to allow for rescue operations and forensic evidence collection.

An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the crash.

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