Ten killed in R102 taxi crash near Isipingo, motorists urged to avoid area

Ten people have been killed and several others critically injured following a horrific crash involving a taxi and a truck on the R102, now known as Wanda Sele Road, near Isipingo, just past the M35 off-ramp south of Durban.

ALS paramedics said they received numerous emergency calls just after 7.30 am on Thursday morning, reporting that urgent medical assistance was needed on the R102.

“ALS paramedics are currently on the scene of this horrific crash on the R102 near Lotus Park off-ramp,” said ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson.

Jamieson said emergency crews found that a fully loaded taxi and a truck had collided before both vehicles left the roadway. The taxi was pinned against a tree, leaving many occupants trapped inside the wreckage.

Several passengers were entrapped, prompting immediate rescue efforts by the eThekwini Fire Department and paramedics.

“Multiple emergency services are working together. We’ve got eThekwini Fire Department working to cut the patients free.”

ALS Paramedics confirmed the fatalities at the scene. “Unfortunately, it’s a very sad accident. At this stage, I can confirm that 10 people have lost their lives on the scene.”

He added that many others sustained severe injuries. “Multiple others have sustained mostly critical injuries and are currently being rushed to various urban hospitals for the urgent care that they’re required.”

The crash scene remains active, with road closures in place. 

RTI and Metro Police have closed the roadway, which is expected to remain shut for some time. “The roadway has been closed off by RTI and Metro Police and will be for some time to allow for investigations to continue.”

Jamieson urged the public to avoid the area. “I’d advise all members to avoid this area at all costs. It’s quite a gruesome scene and with multiple fatalities, it’s going to be quite a long time that this scene will be active.”

Traffic in the area is heavily congested, and motorists have been warned of delays.

At this stage, the cause of the crash remains unclear.

“At this stage, the events leading up to the crash are unknown. However, SAPS and RTI are in attendance and will be investigating further.”

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