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.
