WATCH: Trailer carrying 42 bodies involved in crash on M1 in Braamfontein
BRAAMFONTEIN – Traffic is severely backed up on the M1 south.
Update: 2pm
A driver of a Condor that was pulling a trailer carrying 42 bodies on the M1 South on Smith and Carr streets off-ramp in Braamfontein, is being held for questioning by the police.
According to spokesperson for the City of Joburg’s Department of Community Safety, Luyanda Longwe, the trailer’s wheels dislodged and caused an accident.
Also read: 4 000 unidentified bodies in State mortuaries in GP
Longwe said a motorist who was driving by, alerted the authorities about the accident. On arrival, when Metro police inspected the trailer they discovered the bodies.
“There were 16 adults’ corpses and 26 stillborn babies,” said Longwe in a telephonic interview with North Eastern Tribune on 15 November.
“The driver claims that the bodies were from Charlotte Maxeke Hospital which were being transported to Olifantsvlei near Eldorado Park. He claims they were transported to the Olifantsvlei Cemetery for paupers’ funerals.”
Metro police contacted the Gauteng Department of Health which brought in their pathology team to investigate, said Longwe.
Public Safety MMC Michael Sun expressed his shock on how the bodies were been transported
“The manner in which the bodies are transported is neither dignified nor hygienic at all, least to say shows no respect to the deceased and their families. We call upon the Provincial Department of Health to conduct a full investigation and also SAPS to further investigate to ensure there is no foul play”
Read: 33 years for body-in-the-bin murderer
She added that upon requesting his documentation to transport and carry out this kind of a job, the driver failed to produce any.
“He could not produce validation papers for the legitimacy of his business as well. He claims that he only carries them when he transports bodies outside the province only,” she said.
Police have opened up a case.
Initial story
Traffic is heavily backed up on the M1 south after the Smit Street onramp in Braamfontein after a trailer, alleged to be carrying 42 bodies, was involved in a crash.
It is believed that the trailer belongs to a private undertaker.
Local authorities are said to be on the scene.
Watch this video taken while travelling on the M1 north past the accident scene:
Motorists are advised to be cautious when driving in the area.
JMPD have confirmed a trailer carrying more than two dozen bodies from one state hospital to another in Jhb has been involved in a crash on the M1 south in Braamfontein
It’s believed the van was travelling from Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital pic.twitter.com/WlfROtDVCl— Channel Islam Int (@channelislam) November 15, 2017
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Details: Luyanda Longwe 061 496 0536
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