SANTACO emphasises passenger safety after KwaZulu-Natal taxi crash
As South Africans embark on their journeys across the country, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has emphasised the importance of passenger safety, especially following a serious incident involving a minibus taxi in KwaZulu-Natal. As South Africans embark on their journeys across the country, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has emphasised the importance of passenger safety, especially following a serious incident involving a minibus taxi in KwaZulu-Natal.
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As South Africans embark on their journeys across the country, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has emphasised the importance of passenger safety, especially following a serious incident involving a minibus taxi in KwaZulu-Natal.
The chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal SANTACO, Boy Zondi, reiterated the commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters and all road users as a top priority for the taxi industry. This declaration came after a worrying collision that occurred on Tuesday evening involving a minibus taxi affiliated with the council, which was operating under the jurisdiction of the Mafunze Taxi Association.
The crash, which took place just outside Pietermaritzburg, resulted in injuries to seventeen people, three of whom are in a serious condition.“SANTACO KZN is deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding the crash and the injuries sustained,” Zondi said.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident, and our thoughts are with all the injured passengers, the affected individuals, and their families. We wish everyone who was injured a speedy and full recovery.”
In a statement, Zondi emphasised the commitment of SANTACO KZN to promoting responsible driving and compliance with road traffic laws, aimed at protecting both commuters and pedestrians across the province.
His comments reflect an urgent need for vigilance in light of the increased traffic often seen during this busy travel period.Craig Botha, a spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Private Ambulance Service, provided further insight into the event.
The crash occurred at approximately 13:00 on the M70 in the Embundweni area."Emergency dispatchers received reports of a severe motor vehicle collision," he noted.
"Upon arrival, first responders were met with a chaotic scene involving a Toyota Quantum minibus and a hatchback passenger vehicle. The force of the head on collision left both vehicles with extensive structural damage, illustrating the terrifying nature of the crash. Paramedics immediately initiated a mass casualty triage to manage the high volume of patients."
Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the cause of this unfortunate accident, which has raised serious concerns about safety on the roads as more South Africans head out to celebrate with family and friends. With the festive season drawing near, the need for heightened awareness about road safety has never been more pressing.