Several people were sustained serious injuries after a bus and truck collision near Colenso yesterday (Monday). Picture: ER24
KwaZulu-Natal's road safety is in the spotlight following a troubling surge in truck accidents, prompting the province's MEC for Transport, Siboniso Duma, to advocate strongly for improvements to the rail network.
His commitment comes in light of recent incidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities on key routes, including the N3 and N2.
Duma expressed concern over the rising number of accidents, exacerbated by heavy rainfall making roads dangerous.
“We have noticed an increase in road accidents along the N3, N2 and other routes as a result of heavy rainfall,” he said.
“I will be pursuing the issue of rail network vigorously this year being guided by the Economic Regulation for Transport Act signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June last year.”
With a tragic tally of approximately 10 road deaths since the beginning of the year, Duma emphasised the urgent need for motorists to exercise caution. “With the rain, the roads are slippery. We are requesting motorists to be extra careful,” he urged.
Recent events highlight the critical need for safer transport options. A serious accident involving a bus and container truck occurred near the N3, Tugela Plaza, Ladysmith, injuring 17 individuals, five of whom sustained severe injuries.
Emergency services, including Mi7 National Group's Emergency Medical Services, were swiftly dispatched to provide aid and transport victims to hospitals.
“Multiple service providers worked hand-in-hand to triage and stabilise the patients, some of whom were entrapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated,” their statement read, further advising motorists to seek alternative routes as recovery operations unfolded.
Also yesterday, another collision involving a truck and a bus near Colenso resulted in serious injuries for four passengers. Ziyaad Warasally, ER24 operations manager, reported the prompt action of emergency officials who stabilised all passengers aboard the Big Sky Intercity coach before facilitating their transportation to medical facilities for further care.
Emergency services ER24 branch operations manager Ziyaad Warasally said: “All passengers were aboard the Big Sky Intercity coach at the time of the crash. All passengers were stabilised by responding emergency officials and taken to the hospital for further medical attention.
The grim statistics were further compounded by a tragic incident in Ndwedwe where a 60-year-old woman lost her life due to bus brake failure, and 57 others were injured. This dual tragedy has prompted both MEC Duma and Ndwedwe Local Municipality Mayor Councillor Sam Mfeka to extend their condolences to the bereaved family.
Duma's commitment to rail infrastructure as an alternative to road transport could potentially reduce the frequency of such harrowing accidents. As KZN grapples with road safety challenges, the focus on enhancing rail connectivity could pave the way for a safer transportation future.
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