The preliminary investigation into the horrific accident involving a truck and minibus at the N3 Van Reenen's Pass on Monday has revealed that the minibus taxi lost control and swerved toward the right oncoming traffic lane and collided with a truck head-on.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the initial stages of the investigation revealed that the truck driver was driving from Johannesburg towards Durban, whilst the minibus taxi was traveling from Durban towards Johannesburg.
“At the time of the collision, the truck was driving in the [right] lane southbound, whilst the minibus was driving in the [right] lane northbound. From the video footage obtained during this initial stage of the investigation, it is very clear that the minibus lost control and swerved toward the right oncoming traffic lane and collided with the truck head-on,” Duma said.
While the cause of the minibus losing control is unknown at this stage, Duma said they "strongly suspect" that the accident was due to heavy rainfall, speed, vehicle defect, or driver negligence.
He said the second phase of the investigation will focus on speed as the cause of the accident.
Duma also confirmed that a total of 17 people were declared dead on the scene of the accident, not 18 as initially reported. Only one passenger, a baby girl, survived, and is currently being treated in hospital.
“Based on the initial stages of the investigation, a taxi affiliated to Uncedo Taxi Association was travelling from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg. Seven men, three women, three boys and four girls [were killed in the crash].
“I requested the HoD (Head of Department) and the entire team to visit the brave little girl in hospital. We are comforted by the fact that she is recovering, [and] we thank health professionals for ensuring the provision of quality healthcare,” Duma said.
Duma has extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.
“At this stage, we wish to indicate that according to the owner of the minibus taxi, the families of the deceased have been identified and notified. Arrangements are being made by the owner and Uncedo Taxi Association for family members to travel to Ladysmith to identify their loved ones,” the MEC said.
Truck driver’s identity uncovered
The investigation has also discovered the identity of the truck driver – a 37-year-old Zimbabwean national.
“The truck belongs to Pangolin Logistics. We remain concerned about the fact that the driver of the trucking company contacted the owner of Pangolin Logistics before disappearing.
“We are asking ourselves many questions, [such as] who assisted him in disappearing from such a remote area at night?” Duma said.
Duma commended the dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, including Emergency Rescue Services, and other key personnel who responded swiftly, as part of the rescue and cleaning up operation. – SAnews.gov.za
