All 15 occupants of the minibus taxi died. Picture: EC Department of Transport
A CASE of culpable homicide is being investigated after 15 people, including two infants, died in what has been described as a ‘freak accident’ in the Eastern Cape.
The accident occurred along the N9 road in Middelburg on Sunday evening and involved a minibus taxi and a heavy-duty truck.
The Eastern Cape Transport Department confirmed that all occupants of the minibus taxi died during the collision at around 11pm.
“It is alleged that a heavy-duty truck hit a stray animal and the driver lost control. As the driver was trying to regain control, the trailer gave in and fell over. Right at that moment, a fully loaded taxi was parallel to it, driving in the opposite direction,” the department said.
The trailer crushed the minibus taxi and everyone inside.
The minibus taxi was travelling from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape while the truck was travelling in the opposite direction.
“The 15 deceased include nine females, four males and among them were two children (aged two years old and two months old),” the department said.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the truck was travelling from Graaff-Reinet.
“The police are investigating a case of culpable homicide,” she said.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant Nomthetheleli Mene conveyed her condolences to the victims of the crash.
“The SAPS management in the Eastern Cape is deeply sorry for the loss of so many lives. The loss of loved ones in such a sudden and tragic manner is truly devastating, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they navigate through this unimaginable grief,” she said.