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The death toll in a horrific taxi accident in KwaZulu-Natal has risen to 13.
On Saturday night 12 people, all from the same family, were reported killed when a minibus taxi driver lost control and rolled down an embankment in Kilimon, near Underberg. Four people were taken to the hospital.
However, after a visit by KwaZulu-Natal Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala and Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to the family on Sunday, it was revealed that a 13th person had died.
The MEC and the minister – who were accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal MEC Bheki Ntuli community safety and MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza social development – also visited the crash site, where the wrecked remains of the taxi still lay more than 24 hours later.
The KwaZulu-Natal government said it wanted a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
The provincial government’s official Twitter page said Saturday that everyone who died in the crash was believed to be from the same family. A child was among the victims.
“Our hearts go out to the family who lost their loved ones in this horrible accident. We hope you can find comfort in the Almighty during this difficult time. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery, ”said Zikalala.
The accident took place on a rural road and images from the scene showed the roof of the taxi ripped off by the impact. The debris was strewn across a rocky field.
KwaZulu-Natal emergency services spokesman Robert McKenzie said it was a single vehicle accident. He said three other occupants were in serious condition and were treated at the scene by private and government ambulance personnel.
Before Zikalala’s visit, the KwaZulu-Natal Prosecutor’s Office asked the provincial government to increase its commitment to road safety.
The DA MPL and the province’s transportation party spokeswoman Sharon Hoosen said seven other people were killed in accidents near Ladysmith on Saturday, including a motorcyclist who was allegedly killed in a hit-and-run incident.
Five other people were injured in two separate traffic accidents, Hoosen said.
“DA today calls on KZN Transport MEC Bheki Ntuli to urgently commit to restructuring the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in order to increase the presence of law enforcement officers on the province’s roads,” said Hoosen.
“The district attorney is deeply saddened by this serious loss of life. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have died in such tragic circumstances. We also convey our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.
TimesLIVE
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