Seven die in head-on crash at Karino
Five occupants of the taxi, including the driver, were killed on impact. One of them was disembowelled and it was clear that they all sustained severe fractures
KARINO – Seven people were killed in an absolutely horrific head-on collision on the N4 this morning. It involved a taxi and a Nissan Xtrail, killing five occupants of the taxi and two of the Xtrail.
The accident occurred at about 06:00. The exact cause of the accident is unknown, but the taxi was travelling towards Nelspruit and the Xtrail in the opposite direction when they collided.
Paramedics of Netcare 911 and Lifemed responded, as well as officials of the fire brigade, police and traffic department. What they found on the scene, was horrendous. Five occupants of the taxi, including the driver, were killed on impact. One of them was disembowelled and it was clear that they all sustained severe fractures.
The driver of the Xtrail and his passenger, were also killed on impact. In total, four men died and three women. Some of the victims’ particulars are known at this stage, but information is being withheld until the next of kin have been notified.
Five more occupants of the taxi were taken to Rob Ferreira Hospital with serious injuries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_af3z1Tq8M&feature=youtu.be
Mr Vusi Shongwe, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, also arrived at the scene and was shocked at what he saw. He urged motorists, via the media, not to overload or drink and drive and to abide by the road regulations.
The road wasn’t closed, but traffic was allowed to pass in only one direction at a time. The bodies were finally removed from the wreckages at about 08:00.
We are approaching festive season, and our fellow road users must please be careful and also reduce their speed on our roads. What happened today is still yet to be known what was its cause, but one thing for sure one car was out of its Lane. We are really sorry for the ones who lost their loved ones may God give them strength to overcome this situation they are facing. Let us all drive safely, we must be careful, Life is too short, Patience never kills, let us arrive alive. May our Good Lord give life to those in Hospital in Jesus name.
I travel that road on a daily basis and it is frightening how people don’t abide by road rules. The speed limit there is 80 and I can personally say that maybe 10% of the road users abide by the limit. Everyday I see the culprits aswell as those who choose to overtake on a solid line. In this case this morning, innocent people have been killed for what reason? Impatience! Recklessness! Definitely not worth it. I pray every morning and every afternoon that God has his protective armour around me, my son and vehicle – that I can get home safely. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families that have lost loved ones today.