Two die as taxi collides with truck

TWO people died while eight others were rushed to hospital after a minibus taxi and a truck were involved in an accident on the R61 road between Libode and Port St Johns yesterday morning.

Provincial transport spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie said the accident had happened around 11am about 40km from Mthatha.

Both vehicles were travelling from Port St Johns towards Mthatha.

“The taxi was reportedly travelling from Flagstaff towards Mthatha. The department would like to send condolences to the families of the deceased and wish those in hospital a speedy recovery.

“We would like to further make a plea to all road users to adhere to the rules of the road and take note of all road signs when driving,” said Rantjie

She said those who died, were the driver of the Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a passenger in the taxi. All those injured were passengers of the taxi.

“The taxi had 15 passengers on board when it was involved in the crash. It is alleged that the driver of the Toyota Quantum was travelling behind the truck.

“It is also alleged that the truck slowed down for a speed hump and the Toyota driver failed to stop and collided with the rear of the truck,” said Rantjie.

The eight injured passengers were taken to St Barnabas Hospital in Ntlaza near Libode. The five other occupants escaped without injuries.

Rantjie said a case of culpable homicide had been opened at Ngqeleni police station. —