Van Reenen – The number of deceased in the deadly crash along the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass involving a truck, minibus taxi, and light motor vehicle has been revised downward from 18 to 17.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said on Tuesday, (7 January 2025), said: “A total of 17 people were declared dead on the scene of the accident, not 18 as initially reported”.
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MEC Dumas said a young girl travelling in the minibus taxi was the only survivor.
“I requested the Head of Department and the entire team to visit the brave little girl in hospital,” he said.
“We are comforted by the fact that she is recovering.
“We thank health professionals for ensuring the provision of quality healthcare.”
MEC Duma also revealed the haulage truck involved in the collision was driven by a 37-year-old Zimbabwe national identified as N. Mbedezi.
“There have been conflicting reports about the whereabouts and details of the truck driver,” said MEC Duma.
“From the video footage obtained during this initial stage of the investigation, it is very clear that the minibus [taxi] lost control and swerved toward the right oncoming traffic lane and collided with a truck head-on.
“The cause of the minibus is unknown at this stage.”
MEC Duma said the truck, which belongs to Pangolin Logistics, was being driven from Johannesburg toward Durban.
The truck, carrying two sealed bins, had only one occupant – the driver.
MEC Duma said the minibus taxi was traveling from Durban toward Johannesburg.
“We also wish to report that a second accident involved a silver Renault Clio with two occupants who were driving from Durban,” he said.
“They unfortunately drove over bodies of passengers who were flung out of the minibus taxi.
“The two occupants were not injured.”
MEC Duma said authorities suspect wet roads, poor visibility, and speed contributed to the tragedy.
At the time of the collision, on Monday, (6 January 2025), at about 20:30, it was raining heavily, dark, and misty.
“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” MEC Duma said.
“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.”
MEC Duma said an investigation into the causes of the multiple-vehicle collision has been initiated by a technical team led by the Head of the Department of Transport Siboniso Mbhele.
Aspart of the probe, the Road Traffic Inspectorate and South African National Road Agency met with the South African Police Service under the leadership of Major General Gonya, the Cluster Commander of Thukela District.
MEC Duma said: Based on the initial stages of the investigation, we wish to report the following:
- A taxi affiliated with UNcedo Taxi Association was travelling from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg;
- There were 18 passengers, including the driver;
- A total of 17 people were declared dead on the scene of the accident, not 18 as initially reported.
- Only one person survived (a young girl)
Details of the deceased are as follows:
- Adults males: 7
- Adult females: 3
- Minors – boys: 3
- Minors – girls: 4
MEC Duma said: “Finally, we wish to salute our dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate, Emergency Rescue Services, and other key personnel that responded swiftly as part of the rescue and cleaning up operation”.
