DailySun
Van Reenen – The fatality count from the tragic accident on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass, involving a truck, a minibus taxi, and a light motor vehicle, has been revised from 18 to 17.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed on Tuesday, (7 January 2025): “A total of 17 individuals were pronounced dead at the accident scene, correcting the initial report of 18.”
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MEC Duma highlighted that a young girl, a passenger in the minibus taxi, was the only survivor.
“I have asked the Head of Department and the whole team to visit the brave little girl in the hospital,” he stated.
“We find solace in knowing that she is on the mend.”
“We express our thanks to healthcare professionals for their excellent medical care.”
MEC Duma also revealed that the haulage truck involved in the chaos was driven by a 37-year-old Zimbabwean national named N. Mbedezi.
“There have been contradictory accounts regarding the truck driver’s location and details,” remarked MEC Duma.
“According to the video footage obtained early in the investigation, it is clear that the minibus [taxi] lost control, veered into oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with the truck.”
“The reason for the minibus losing control remains uncertain at this stage.”
MEC Duma detailed that the truck, owned by Pangolin Logistics, was en route from Johannesburg to Durban.
It was carrying two sealed bins and had only one occupant – the driver.
MEC Duma noted that the minibus taxi was traveling from Durban to Johannesburg.
“We also wish to mention that a second accident involved a silver Renault Clio with two occupants headed from Durban,” he added.
“Regrettably, they drove over the bodies of passengers who had been thrown from the minibus taxi.”
“Fortunately, the two occupants were unharmed.”
MEC Duma indicated that authorities believe wet roads, poor visibility, and excessive speed played a role in the tragedy.
The collision took place on Monday, (6 January 2025), around 20:30, during conditions of heavy rainfall, darkness, and mist.
“We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” expressed MEC Duma.
“At this time, we wish to report that, according to the minibus taxi’s owner, the families of the deceased have been identified and notified.”
“Arrangements are underway by the owner and UNcedo Taxi Association for family members to travel to Ladysmith to identify their loved ones.”
MEC Duma announced that an investigation into the causes of the multiple-vehicle collision has commenced, led by a technical team overseen by the Head of the Department of Transport, Siboniso Mbhele.
As part of the investigation, the Road Traffic Inspectorate and the South African National Road Agency met with the South African Police Service under the supervision of Major General Gonya, the Cluster Commander of Thukela District.
MEC Duma stated: “Based on the preliminary findings of the investigation, we would like to report the following:”
- A taxi associated with UNcedo Taxi Association was traveling from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape towards Johannesburg;
- There were 18 passengers, including the driver;
- Seventeen individuals were declared dead at the scene, not 18 as previously indicated;
- Only one person survived, a young girl.
Details of the deceased are as follows:
- Adult males: 7
- Adult females: 3
- Minors – boys: 3
- Minors – girls: 4
MEC Duma concluded: “In closing, we wish to commend our dedicated teams from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, Emergency Rescue Services, and other essential personnel who promptly responded during the rescue and cleanup efforts.”
