GINGINDLOVU, KwaZulu-Natal – A devastating collision on the R66 Nyezane in Gingindlovu has claimed the lives of five people, including a three-year-old child and a two-month-old baby. The accident, which occurred late on Sunday night, involved a Hyundai Grand i10 and a Ford Ranger LDV.
The KZN Department of Transport and Human Settlements confirmed the tragic incident, expressing their sadness after what had been a relatively safe winter holiday period on the province's roads.
According to preliminary reports, the Ford Ranger LDV, travelling towards Gingindlovu, lost control and collided head-on with the Hyundai Grand i10. The Hyundai was carrying eight passengers en route from Nongoma to Durban.
Among the five fatalities were three adults and two children. Seven other occupants sustained injuries, with four children under the age of 14 suffering serious injuries.
Samantha Meyrick, spokesperson for IPSS Medical Rescue, reported that paramedics stabilised the seriously injured patients at the scene before transporting them to nearby medical facilities for further care. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased," she added.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. "We pause to pay our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We request motorists to be patient as both lanes remain closed," Duma said in a statement.
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the KZN Transport and Human Settlement Department, provided further details. "Although the RTI teams, the South African Police Service, and emergency services are still busy with recovery and rescue operations, we wish to indicate that five passengers unfortunately died on the scene: three adults and two children," Sibiya said.
The Department of Transport has also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various emergency services at the scene. "Thank you to the Umlalazi Fire and Mandeni Fire Departments, as well as other ambulance services and RTI Gingindlovu, for the teamwork on the scene," read a statement from IPSS Medical Rescue.
According to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the Hyundai Grand i10 was transporting eight passengers from Nongoma to Durban, with three surviving the crash. The Ford Ranger LDV had four passengers, all of whom survived.
The R66 was temporarily closed to allow for rescue and recovery operations, causing significant delays for motorists. Authorities urged drivers to be patient and use alternative routes where possible.
As the reopening of schools approaches, MEC Duma has mandated the RTI to intensify road safety measures across the province. "As we count down to the reopening of schools, I have mandated RTI to strengthen road safety measures," he stated.
The exact cause of the collision is currently under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the accident to come forward with information.
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