Middleburg – At least 15 people have perished in a horror crash along the N10 involving a minibus taxi and a haulage truck that was pulling a trailer just outside Middleburg, Eastern Cape.
All the occupants of the taxi including the driver died on the spot. The injured truck driver was admitted to the hospital.
The deceased included nine women, four men, and two children.
Commenting on the tragedy, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said: “We have learned with a deep sense of shock and sadness at the tragic crash that claimed the lives of 15 people on the N10 at Middelburg in the Eastern Cape on Sunday night, 2 June 2023.”
The minister added: “A minibus taxi with 15 occupants was travelling from Cradock entering Middelburg when it collided with an articulated truck head-on.
“We are deeply saddened that so many people lost their lives in this horrific crash and we send our heartfelt condolences to the families and the loved ones of those who perished and wish the person in hospital speedy recovery”.
Minister Chikunga said road safety remains “our collective responsibility” and every road user must play their part in ensuring that SA roads are safe.
“Our commitment to making our roads safer has never been greater,” said Minister Chikunga.
“We are seized with the implementation of measures to arrest the carnage on our roads.
“These include classifying traffic policing as a 24-hour, seven-day job to maximise visibility while tightening measures to change reckless behaviour by motorists.
“We call upon all road users to be vigilant on the road at all times and motorists to observe the rules of the road and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy at all times.”
The minister said the Road Traffic Management Corporation will investigate the crash and establish the root cause of this tragic incident.
Meanwhile, the Transport Portfolio Committee has extended its condolences to the families of the 15 deceased persons.
Portfolio Committee on Transport Chairperson Minah Lesoma said: Investigations are yet to be conducted, but the committee is saddened by this incident and would like to call on drivers to exercise caution and be alert of their immediate surroundings at all times”.
Weekend media reports indicated that this was a pure accident where the truck driver tried to avoid a wandering animal before he lost control of his vehicle, which then went to slam onto the full minibus taxi.
The committee wishes to send condolences to all the relatives of those involved.
Lesoma called on the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and farmers next to the national roads to undertake a citizenry education on the dangers of animals, wild and domestic, roaming and grazing next to the roads.
Lesoma added: The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Transport must assist where it could, and urgently provide the required support to the bereaved families. We are really saddened by this accident because there is no way anyone could stop weekend interprovincial travels.
