Taxi transporting learners crashes into building

Kwa-Thema – Ten high school children are fighting for their lives in hospital after the taxi in which they were travelling crashed into a building on Thursday afternoon.
It is alleged the taxi driver lost control of the vehicle.
Witness Thabiso Moeng told African Reporter he is lucky to be alive.

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“I was sitting with a friend inside the building when I heard a screeching sound of tyres and loud music with people screaming for help.
“A moment later I heard a loud bang and saw the taxi crashing into the building and we started running to safety through the cloud of dust,” he explained.
When the taxi finally stopped the driver fell to the ground and could barely speak.
Bottles of alcohol were also allegedly found inside the vehicle.
Moeng added that some of the scholarly transport vehicles in the area are moving coffins.

“You find them playing loud music, driving at a high speed and not respecting the rules of the roads.
“You find the learners popping their heads out of the windows as if they have spare lives. I hope this is a lesson to others,” he added.
One of the victims claimed the driver was sharing booze with two other learners in the taxi.
Parent Nomsa Manganyi said she fears for her son’s health.
“He was badly injured and needed medical attention.
“I am hoping that the children will make it out of the hospital alive,” she added.

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The mother is urging the police to ensure that the driver is stripped of his driver’s licence and does not work with children.
Kwa-Thema police spokesperson Const Nkululeko Magudulelo confirmed they are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.
“The driver was arrested and will appear before the court soon.
“We are urging parents to ensure that the scholar transport they hire for their children is safe and the driver has a valid driving licence,” he said.

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