Truck crash fatalities now 8, 73 injured
Witnesses said overloading is a common problem in the Nquthu area with especially school children being transported on overloaded vehicles in the mornings and in the afternoons.
The death toll in Sunday’s horror truck crash on the Nquthu/Babanango road has risen to eight with 73 people admitted to the CJM Hospital to be treated for various injuries.
The driver of the MP registered in which 85 people had been loaded on has appeared in the Nquthu Magistrate’s Court on a charge of drinking and driving. Witnesses said the driver lost control of the truck that then crashed.
The passengers had been returning home on Sunday afternoon from a traditional ceremony.
Five died on the scene while another passenger died in hospital. Another two died on Monday. Police said the CJM Hospital had difficulties in attending to all the injured who were admitted.
Witnesses said overloading is a common problem in the Nquthu area with especially school children being transported on overloaded vehicles in the mornings and in the afternoons.
An investigation is continuing.
