KZN N3 Tragedy: Minibus Taxi Plunges Down Embankment, Resulting in 5 Fatalities
Pietermaritzburg – A tragic incident occurred when a minibus taxi rolled down an embankment along the N3, leading to the unfortunate deaths of at least five passengers.
As reported by ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, the minibus ejected most of its passengers while rolling near the Shongweni off-ramp.
Shortly before 5 pm on Friday, ALS Paramedics arrived at the scene of a devastating minibus taxi accident on the N3 heading towards Pietermaritzburg, just past the Marianhill Toll Plaza.
Upon arrival, first responders were met with chaos, having found that the minibus taxi had collided with a light motor vehicle.
Jamieson noted that the taxi rolled down the embankment, coming to rest about 50 meters below.
“Immediately, we dispatched additional ambulances and Advanced Life Support Paramedics to assist,” he said.
“Paramedics proceeded to the taxi and established a triage station.
“Tragically, five individuals sustained severe injuries, and regrettably, the Paramedics were unable to save them, leading to their declaration of death at the scene.”
Jamieson further reported that 13 other passengers experienced a range of injuries, from moderate to critical, as Paramedics worked diligently to stabilize them.
The rescue teams employed an advanced roping system to hoist the injured to awaiting ambulances.
“After a three-hour operation, all the injured were rescued and transported to various hospitals in Durban for essential medical care,” stated Jamieson.
The rescue operation included personnel from Durban Metro Police Search and Rescue, Ethekweni Fire Department, and Mobiclaw.
In light of the tragic occurrence, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma remarked: “Our dedicated Road Traffic Inspectorate team indicates that the minibus taxi, carrying 17 passengers en route to Ixopo, veered off the road and rolled approximately 50 meters down the embankment.”
MEC Duma further elaborated: “Witnesses, including truck drivers, reported that the taxi driver lost control while trying to avoid a reckless VW Polo driver.”
He mentioned that the RTI team, alongside Durban Metro Police, Road Traffic Management Corporation, and the South African Police, will conduct an accident reconstruction as part of the investigation.
“Currently, we are working to reach out to the families of the deceased,” MEC Duma added.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
“Three passengers are reported to be in serious condition, while nine others sustained minor injuries and have been taken to R.K. Khan Hospital.”
Two of the deceased have been identified as police officers.
MEC Duma noted that the accident site remains an active scene.
“We commend the emergency rescue personnel for their professionalism in recovering the bodies of the deceased,” he concluded.