Three separate crashes claim 13 lives across Zululand over weekend

Eleven people perished on the N2 near Mtubatuba on Sunday

4 hours ago

Mbuso Kunene 2 minutes read

The truck involved in Sunday morning's fatal accident near Mtubatuba

Road safety, vehicle roadworthiness, and enforcement of traffic regulations are in the spotlight after 13 people tragically lost their lives in three separate accidents in the Zululand region over the weekend.

Eleven people perished on the N2 near Mtubatuba early on Sunday morning when the taxi in which they were travelling collided head-on with a truck.

The crash occurred at about 4am in the Nkodibe area.

The taxi was reportedly transporting maskandi music lovers back to their homes in Mtubatuba and Big Five Hlabisa after attending a maskandi festival hosted by artist Sgwebo in Melmoth.

The taxi burst into flames on impact with the truck, with 10 of the deceased reportedly burnt beyond recognition.

A further nine people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for medical treatment; the death toll later rising to 11.

The tragic scene of the fatal crash on the N2 near Mtuba on Sunday morning

The truck was reportedly travelling towards the uMfolozi Sugar Mill in Mtubatuba.

On Sunday evening, one person was killed, two people sustained serious injuries and another two were moderately injured in a single-vehicle accident on the R34 at the Heatonville intersection in Empangeni.

The vehicle ended up down an embankment.

The two seriously injured occupants were transported to Ngwelezana Hospital for further medical care, while the two moderately injured occupants were taken to another medical facility.

Meanwhile, at about 7pm on Saturday night, one person was killed and another critically injured when two bakkies collided on the N2 northbound carriageway near the eSikhaleni off-ramp.

Premier sends condolences

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the 11 people who lost their lives in the Mtubatuba taxi accident.

“This is a devastating tragedy that has robbed 11 families of their loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this extremely painful time.

“Losing so many lives in a single road crash is heart-breaking, particularly when people were simply returning home after attending a cultural and musical event. We extend our deepest condolences to every family affected by this tragedy,” said Ntuli.

He wished those who sustained injuries a speedy and full recovery, while expressing appreciation to the emergency services and all who responded to the crash scene and assisted the victims.

Ntuli urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the early hours of the morning when fatigue can significantly affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

“We continue to appeal to motorists not to take unnecessary risks on our roads. Drivers must rest when they are tired and must never place the lives of passengers and other road users at risk.

“We further call on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in enforcing road safety laws, including preventing motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol and ensuring vehicles operating on our roads are roadworthy,” said Ntuli.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: