CORRECTION: Number of deceased revised from nine to eight
Empangeni – Eight people have died in a horrific crash in which a tow truck rear-ended a bakkie carrying members of the Zion Christian Church in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.
“On this Mother’s Day, early this morning around 06:47, I received a report from our highly dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate informing me about a horrific accident that claimed the lives of nine people, mostly mothers,” said Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma.
However, it was later reported that a severed body had been counted twice in error, resulting in the authorities revising the death toll downward to eight.
“Losing a mother is a deeply painful experience that marks the radical change of the family’s life and involves a wide range of sad emotions,” said MEC Duma.
“According to a preliminary report, this accident, which happened along the N2 Northbound after Mthunzini Toll Plaza, involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-1, which was transporting 24 members of the Zion Christian Church.”
They were travelling to Dukuduku, Umtubatuba.
“We have been informed by the RTI and emergency rescue services that a tow truck struck the rear end of the Hyundai H-1, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.
“Those who were injured have been taken to hospitals, and we wish them a speedy recovery.
“Equally, we express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the Church.”
MEC Duma added: “I have assembled a dedicated team from my office to liaise with the church and families during this difficult period.
“Finally, I have also mandated the RTI to immediately keep in touch with the Road Traffic Management Corporation to ensure that an investigation is conducted around this horrific accident.
“We will be updating the people of KwaZulu-Natal as we move forward.”
