At least 15 people died when a minibus taxi, who's driver tested over the legal acohol limit, crashed into a truck.
|||Durban - At least 15 people died when a minibus taxi crashed into a stationary truck near Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday, emergency officials said.
Netcare 911 spokeswoman Santi Steinmann said three people were in a critical condition, two were in a serious condition, and one had minor injuries.
One of the critically injured was airlifted from the scene by a Red Cross helicopter.
KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate spokeswoman Zinhle Mngomezulu said the driver of the taxi lost control of the vehicle while travelling dowhill on the P197 near Sappi's Saiccor mill.
He had been on his way from Umkomaas to Magabheni. The taxi left the road, crashed through a fence and collided with the lorry, which was parked on the Saiccor premises.
The taxi driver, who sustained minor injuries, was found by Road Traffic Inspectorate officials to have a blood alcohol reading of 0.26mg. The legal limit is 0.24mg. Mngomezulu said he was arrested.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu expressed shock at the accident.
“It comes when the people of this province are still reeling from shock following the collapse of the Tongaat Mall,” he said.
“We are at a loss for words following this crash and we send our condolences to the families of the deceased. We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.”
Sapa