Drunk taxi driver arrested after five killed in accident in KZN

An overloaded taxi with an allegedly drunk driver rolled multiple times killing five and injuring others in Pietermaritzburg.

Sep 4, 2022 - 17:48
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Drunk taxi driver arrested after five killed in accident in KZN

Approximately five people lost their lives while a number of others were left injured following a taxi accident in Pietermaritzburg.

The taxi driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol

The accident occurred on Edendale Road on the morning of Sunday, 4 September. According to reports, the taxi was travelling from Imbali towards Pietermaritzburg just before 6:00.

The Witness reports that the taxi driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. The taxi was also reportedly overloaded. Paramedics at the scene of the accident stated that the taxi driver lost control of the vehicle and it rolled a few times.

IOL reports that the driver was detained and is expected to face charges of culpable homicide, negligent drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol.

SANTACO spokesperson says they will take action if there was negligence from the driver

Sifiso Shangase, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) spokesperson in KZN not only pleaded with drivers to be cautious on the road but also stated how saddened they were to hear about the accident.

Shangase sent his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the accident and wished speedy recoveries to those who are recovering in hospital.

“It gives us a bad name that people had to die like this on a straight road like Edendale Road. If there was any negligence from the driver, we will take action. We will also enforce Operation Hlokomela to ensure that drivers are cautious on the road,” Shangase said.

Driver dies after crashing vehicle and landing in a swimming pool

Previously, it was reported that a driver has died after he reportedly crashed through a residential boundary wall and landed in a swimming pool on Monmouth Road in Athlone Park, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal.

The incident happened at approximately 11:00 on Friday, 2 September. According to emergency service, Emer-G-Med, on arrival at the scene a light motor vehicle was found to have crashed through a residential boundary wall, overturning and landing in a swimming pool.

Paramedics found the occupant still entrapped in the wreckage and a call was made by the Emer-G-Med Emergency Operations Centre for the specialist assistance of the South African Police Services Search and Rescue Unit. Read the full story here.