- At least eight people have lost their lives after a seven-seater vehicle collided with a truck near Mandeni on the N2.
- The vehicle was carrying students to school, and tragically, many of the victims are believed to be children.
- Following the crash, rescue operations are underway, and the N2 highway has been closed in both directions.
Another heart-wrenching tragedy has unfolded on KwaZulu-Natal's roads, leaving families devastated and communities shaken. This time, it happened on the N2 near Mandeni in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, where at least eight people lost their lives in a horrific crash. It’s a tragedy that hits close to home, especially when you hear that many of the victims were children on their way to school.
According to IPSS Medical Rescue, the crash involved a truck and a seven-seater vehicle that was transporting schoolchildren. Emergency responders are on the scene, and the situation is grim. One person has been critically injured, and the highway has been closed in both directions as rescue efforts continue.
Transport MEC En Route to the Scene
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, is heading to the accident scene to assess the situation firsthand. In a statement released by the department, it was revealed that the driver of the seven-seater vehicle lost control and veered into the opposite lane, colliding with a truck.
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"What saddens us is that the victims of this road accident include young people with so much potential and a brighter future ahead of them," the statement read. "Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the eight victims who have lost their lives in this tragic incident," it continued. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as a section of the road, particularly between bridges 18 and 19, remains closed.
South Africans React with Heartfelt Grief
The tragedy has struck a chord with many South Africans, especially parents, who took to social media to express their sorrow and frustration. The loss of innocent lives, particularly children, has left a deep scar on the hearts of many. Here’s what some of them had to say:
@amara_tee12 expressed the heartache many parents feel: "One can't help but wonder if we've kissed our kids a final goodbye as they left for school 💔 It's devastating to send your kids to school only for them to lose their lives a short while later 😔."
@alexand92614461 questioned the recurring tragedy: "Why do we always wake up to such heartbreaking news in our country about our youth being taken from us on our roads? 😭."
@mogobe65 pointed fingers at systemic issues: "The so-called scholar transport job creation strategy by the corrupt ANC is costing our children their lives. There needs to be a functioning school within every 100km radius to prevent such disasters."
@Luu_Matinjwa simply lamented: "Ohh nkosiyam, innocent kids."
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@Blessed_Works summarized the problem: "Scholar transportation is a real issue that needs addressing urgently."
Children Injured in Head-On Collision in Durban
In a separate incident, 18 people, many of them children, were injured in a head-on collision near Wingen Walk on the Hans Dettman Highway in Durban, as reported by Briefly News. The accident has left many South Africans deeply concerned about the alarming frequency of children becoming victims of road accidents. The question on everyone's mind is: What more can be done to ensure the safety of our children as they travel to and from school?
As the nation mourns, it’s a stark reminder of the urgent need for safer roads, better transportation policies, and more vigilant driving practices. Every child deserves a safe journey to school and back home.
