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At least 20 learners were injured when a minibus taxi transporting them plunged off the Kwakhetha Bridge on the P127 road near Mpendle in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Monday.
The passengers, aged between 8 and 15, sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious, but all survived the crash.
It is alleged that the taxi, carrying learners from different schools in the area, veered off the road and plunged several metres down the bridge.
Residents rushed to the scene and worked with emergency services to ensure the children received immediate care.
The injured were first taken to Gomane Clinic, before being transferred to Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (Edendale Hospital) for further treatment.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma confirmed that the taxi driver fled the scene.
“Most disturbing is that the driver disappeared, and law enforcement agencies are looking for him,” Duma said.
“Learners are from Matomela High School, Luthando High School and Sthunjwana Primary School. They have been taken to Gomane Clinic and Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (Edendale Hospital). Unfortunately, this is the third accident involving a school learner transport in Umgungundlovu District within four days. Four learners died on Thursday, and others are still in the hospital.”
Duma said the department has called on the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in KwaZulu-Natal to urgently convene discussions with taxi associations over the recurring accidents involving scholar transport.
According to the Automobile Association estimates, 70,000 minibus taxi crashes annually, with taxis experiencing double the crash rate of other passenger vehicles.
“I wish to announce that we have resolved to form a partnership with the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA). The association is a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and represents the private vehicle testing stations involved in the testing and issuing of roadworthy certificates in terms of the National Road Traffic Act and SABS 10047,” said Duma.
“We have agreed to work together to isolate elements that are operating vehicles without roadworthy certificates and to ensure that those issuing fraudulent certificates are arrested.”
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