A case of culpable murder is being investigated after 15 individuals, including two children, perished in a ‘freak accident’ in the Eastern Cape.
A minibus taxi and a heavy-duty truck collided on the N9 motorway near Middelburg on Sunday evening.
The Eastern Cape Transport Department verified that all occupants of the minibus taxi were killed in the 11 p.m. crash.
“It is alleged that a heavy-duty truck hit a stray animal and the driver lost control. As the driver was trying it regain control, its trailer gave in and fell over, right at that moment as a fully loaded taxi was parallel to it, driving in the opposite direction,” the transport department said.
The minibus taxi was travelling from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape while the truck was travelling in the opposite direction.
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The trailer crushed the minibus taxi and everyone inside.
“The 15 deceased includes nine females, four males 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.
“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.
