All the occupants of a minibus taxi were killed when it collided with a truck near Aberdeen in Eastern Cape on Sunday night, according to provincial transport department officials.
Among the deceased were a two-year-old child and a two-month-old baby.
Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for Eastern Cape transport spokesperson, said the driver of a heavy-duty truck lost control after the vehicle hit a stray animal.
“As the driver was trying to regain control, the truck’s trailer fell over. Right at that moment a fully loaded taxi was parallel to it, driving in the opposite direction,” said Binqose.
He added that the trailer crushed the minibus, killing everyone inside the taxi.
“This has been a very bizarre accident, an accident of very far margins that has unfortunately claimed all 15 lives of those that were on board this minibus taxi,” he said.
“The MEC for transport in the Eastern Cape Xolile Nqatha is extending a sincere word of condolences to those families that have lost their loved ones in this accident.
“The MEC is also calling on us as road users and all those who can play a role on road safety to do so.
“Not only to those who are on the road but also the owners of the animals that are contributing to so many accidents in the province.”
The truck driver escaped with minor injuries and police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
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