MEDIA STATEMENT

8 PEOPLE KILLED IN CAR CRASH

Eight people including a one week old infant have been killed instantly in a horrific car accident on the R102 road near Empangeni at 3pm this afternoon. Three cars including a police van were involved in the crash which happened near Umhlatuze Bridge.

Five people including the driver to the Toyota Venture are critical but in a stable condition and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Initial investigation have revealed that a Venture tried to overtake and failed it then lost control and overturned and the police van then collided into the venture which was lying in the middle of the road.

This accident comes in the aftermath of another horror bus crash killing 8 people in Vryheid on Saturday. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr Bheki Cele is extremely devastated and heart broken, within three days we have lost sixteen lives in our roads. The MEC has instructed the Road Traffic Enforcement to be in full force to ensure safety in our roads. "He said transport department will continue enhancing Road Safety campaigns to ensure that drivers and passengers are educated to respect the rules of the road".

The Toyota venture had approximately 11 passengers on board traveling from Empangeni to Esikhawini. Eight counts of capable homicide have been investigated.

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