Three people were killed and scores injured in two separate crashes in KwaZulu-Natal within 12 hours.
South Coast fatal crash
KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said they received a report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) about a head-on collision on the R61 near the Wild Coast Sun on the South Coast.
“Unfortunately, three people died in that horrific accident,” Duma said.
The MEC conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims.
“One person is in critical condition. Three other people who were injured are receiving treatment,” Duma said.
“A preliminary report indicates that a VW car and a Toyota Tazz were racing each other, resulting in a head-on collision with a Toyota Yaris.”
As a result, the road was closed for three hours.
“I have mandated RTI to come hard on reckless driving and speeding,” Duma said.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance spokesperson Chantell Botha said the service responded to the scene where paramedics rendered immediate medical attention to a patient in critical condition and a further four patients who had sustained serious injuries. Once stabilised, patients were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
“Sadly, three occupants had sustained fatal injuries and passed away before emergency services could reach the scene,” Botha said.
Bus ferrying IFP supporters crashes
Duma also reported receiving another RTI report regarding a bus accident on the R34 near Vryheid. The crash occurred on Sunday morning between 6am and 6.30am.
“According to RTI, a bus carrying IFP supporters, which belongs to Sun Coaches Bus Company, overturned,” Duma said.
“The latest preliminary report, which we received at 9.30am, indicates that the bus driver was speeding. We will have no mercy on him.”
Duma said no passengers died however, three passengers are in a critical condition and could die due to their injuries, eight passengers are seriously injured and 11 passengers are wounded but able to walk.
Botha said KwaZulu Private Ambulance responded to the scene where paramedics rendered immediate medical attention to three patients who had sustained critical injuries and were trapped under the bus. A further eight patients had sustained serious injuries and another 11 patients had sustained minor injuries.
“Paramedics together with Fire and Rescue Services and JBS towing worked tirelessly to lift the bus safely to extricate the trapped patients,” Botha said.
“Once extricated and stabilised, all the patients were transported to various hospitals for further treatment.”
Mariannhill Toll Plaza roadblock
On Sunday the KZN Department of Transport conducted a roadblock at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza.
Duma said the province, particularly Durban, had an increased traffic volume due to the long weekend.
“We recorded more than 1 000 vehicles per hour on Thursday afternoon and Friday,” Duma said.
He said the traffic volume gives them an idea of what to expect this Easter holiday—Good Friday and Passover Weekend.
“We will be working with church leaders and inter-faith organisations to ensure that we check vehicles that will be used,” Duma said.
“We will have high visibility of RTI throughout the Easter holidays. We will work with traffic officers across all municipalities.”