‘We are deeply saddened’: Transport department and Santaco respond after 2 crashes claim 28 lives

Transport officials and the South African National Taxi Council, in the Western Cape, have expressed their deepest sorrow following two recent incidents that took 28 lives. The first crash resulted in 21 fatalities on the N1 highway between Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert earlier in the week. The accident involved two Toyota Quantum taxis and a Suzuki Brezza SUV, causing the closure of the highway for a brief period. Preliminary investigations revealed that 21 people tragically lost their lives.

A second fatal accident occurred on the N17 highway between Ermelo and Davel in Mpumalanga around 1 am on Sunday. Two sedan vehicles were involved in a head-on collision, claiming the lives of eight people. Makhosandile Tumana from Santaco WC’s Public Relations Office stated, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. Behind every life lost is a family and a community now grieving, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time."

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and her deputy have tasked the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) with collaborating with local authorities to investigate the causes of these crashes. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has pledged its support to assist the victims' families and those who were injured. Creecy noted that the decline in road fatalities and crashes recently reported had been tempered by these incidents.

Despite the 9% reduction in road fatalities over the past year, the minister emphasized that every life lost is a significant loss to families and communities.

Creecy advised drivers to travel during daylight hours, adhere to road rules, avoid drink-driving, take breaks every two hours or every 200km, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.