KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli has called on motorists to be extra cautious on the roads following a horrific accident on the R34 between Melmoth and Ulundi where 16 people, including a stillborn, were killed.
At approximately 08h00 this morning, a minibus taxi collided head-on with a truck and upon impact the minibus taxi caught alight claiming the lives of 15 people. Three victims from the minibus taxi were burnt beyond recognition and DNA testing will have to be conducted to authenticate the remains of the deceased. A total of 15 people died from the minibus taxi and the truck driver.
MEC Ntuli visited the accident scene to inspect the impact of the accident and intervene in order to fast-track the process of investigation.
“This accident is one of the most gruesome accidents I have ever experienced because 16 people perished, including a pregnant woman who delivered a stillborn infant on the scene. It pains me that families had to lose their loved ones especially during October Transport Month, as we are busy conducting service delivery activities which includes launching high-impact infrastructure projects in various parts of the province that are key in unlocking economic opportunities. Road safety across all modes of transport is our top priority and working with all spheres of government, we will implement interventions to improve legislation, intensifying law enforcement operations across the province and promote driver behavioural change through road safety awareness campaigns. These interventions are intended to end the carnage on our roads,” said MEC Ntuli.
MEC Ntuli expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the five survivors in hospital a speedy recovery.
“Investigations into the cause of the accident will focus on the roadworthiness of both vehicles, the weather condition at the time of the accident and other causal factors that could have led to the accident.
However, it is crucial for road users to be cognizant of the factors that contribute to road carnages such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We are committed to ending road carnage and will continue to ensure road safety in the province through strategic traffic enforcement, education and robust community engagement,” added MEC Ntuli.
MEC Ntuli further reassured the bereaved families that government will work tirelessly to process the DNA testing of the three victims so that all families can find closure and bury their loved ones.
The Provincial Government working with local municipalities will assist the families of the victims with funeral arrangements and psychosocial services.