South African authorities are confronting a severe road safety emergency following another catastrophic collision that resulted in multiple fatalities. On Thursday, a head-on impact between a minibus taxi and a truck near Durban in KwaZulu-Natal province claimed at least 11 lives, including one schoolchild, with several others sustaining critical injuries.
According to provincial transport official Siboniso Duma, preliminary investigations suggest the truck driver attempted an illegal U-turn, leading to the direct collision. Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics confirmed the devastating toll, noting that the minibus driver remained trapped within the wreckage during rescue operations.
This tragedy occurs barely a week after another horrific crash involving a school transport minibus and truck near Johannesburg killed 14 children on January 19. The 22-year-old minibus driver from that incident faces upgraded murder charges after prosecutors alleged reckless overtaking maneuvers caused the fatal collision.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has expressed profound concern over the escalating pattern of public transportation fatalities. She has mandated the Road Traffic Management Corporation to collaborate with local authorities and deliver a preliminary investigation report within 48 hours.
Minibus taxis serve as primary transportation for approximately 70% of South African commuters. The nation’s road safety challenges reflect broader continental issues, with Africa experiencing disproportionately high traffic fatality rates despite minimal vehicle ownership. According to UN data, the continent records 26.6 road deaths per 100,000 people—significantly exceeding the global average of 18—accounting for approximately 300,000 annual fatalities despite representing only 3% of the world’s vehicle population.