Cape Town – Several commuters were injured in a harrowing taxi accident on the N2 highway on Monday night, 23 June, after a taxi travelling from Cape Town towards Khayelitsha overturned near a bridge. The incident has left many families shaken and emergency services scrambling to assist the injured.
The scene was described as chaotic, with witnesses reporting that passengers were flung from the vehicle upon impact, while others remained trapped within the mangled wreckage.
Sinovuyo Somphali, who drove past the scene shortly after the crash, recounted the traumatic experience. "The scene was scary, with people scattered across the grass and ambulance workers carrying injured passengers," Somphali said. "We stopped our vehicle to check, and we realised that several people were badly hurt. Others were lying still. We weren’t sure whether they were alive."
Nkululeko Msaseni, a resident of Gugulethu who was walking from Bonteheuwel at the time of the accident, was among the first to respond to the unfolding tragedy. "I was walking over the bridge when I heard a loud bang followed by screams," Msaseni explained. "It was my first time witnessing such a horrific accident. Thank God other motorists stopped and started calling for help. I helped pull out some of the people trapped inside the taxi."
The emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with paramedics providing immediate medical assistance to the injured before transporting them to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The extent of the injuries sustained by the commuters remains unclear at this time.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the crash.
"Upon their arrival on the N2 Highway Direction Somerset West at about 5pm, they found a Toyota Quantum which overturned," Swartbooi said. "The passengers were already transported to nearby hospitals as they sustained injuries. Manenberg cops registered a case of reckless and negligent driving for further investigation. We appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to please call CrimeStop on 08600 10111."
The overturned taxi, a Toyota Quantum, has been removed from the scene, but the investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the accident. Police are appealing to any witnesses who may have information about the crash to come forward and assist with their investigation.
The accident has prompted renewed concerns about taxi safety and driving standards on the N2 highway, a major transport route connecting Cape Town with surrounding areas. Questions are being raised about the roadworthiness of the taxi, the speed at which it was travelling, and the driving habits of the driver.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations. Authorities are urging motorists to drive responsibly, avoid speeding, and ensure that their vehicles are in good working order.
The injured commuters and their families are in the thoughts of many as they face a difficult road to recovery. The accident has left a lasting impact on those who witnessed the scene and those who responded to help. The community is rallying together to support the victims and their families during this challenging time.
As the investigation progresses, more details about the cause of the accident are expected to emerge. The focus remains on providing assistance to the injured and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The N2 highway has since been reopened to traffic, but the memory of the tragic accident will linger for some time to come.
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