Johannesburg, Jan 29 (NationPress) A tragic road accident occurred on Thursday morning resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and leaving eight others injured on the R102 highway close to Lotus Park, situated south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal Province, according to local news sources.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported, referencing ALS Paramedics, a regional emergency service, that the collision involved a truck and a minibus taxi. 11 victims, including a child, were confirmed dead at the site, while eight others were critically injured and transported to a hospital for immediate medical attention.

Garrith Jamieson, a spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, indicated that the incident took place at approximately 7:30 AM local time (0530 GMT). He explained that the truck lost control during the incident, crushing the minibus taxi against a tree, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Motorists were advised to find alternative routes while emergency responders and police conducted rescue and recovery efforts.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Earlier, on January 19, a devastating accident in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, led to the deaths of 19 individuals after a school transport vehicle collided with a truck, as confirmed by local officials.

Initial reports revealed that 11 learners died at the scene, while five others were critically injured and receiving treatment in the hospital.

The death toll later rose when a pupil's body was found trapped beneath the overturned vehicle, and another child succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

According to a briefing from the investigation team, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated that the school vehicle attempted to overtake several cars when it encountered the truck. The truck driver tried to swerve to avoid the impact, but it was too late, he noted.

Lesufi described the incident as “unbearable” and called for stricter regulations in the expanding private school transport sector.

Mavela Masondo, a spokesperson for the provincial police, mentioned that the school transport vehicle was carrying more passengers than legally allowed.

“Currently, the numbers indicate that the Toyota Quantum was overloaded, as we are referring to 17 pupils,” Masondo stated, emphasizing that the minibus is certified for only 14 passengers.

Both drivers survived the crash. The minibus taxi driver will face questioning as part of a culpable homicide inquiry following medical treatment.