A dark cloud is hanging over KwaZulu-Natal on Mother’s Day: a tow truck rear-ended a bakkie, resulting in nine people perishing in a horrific accident in Empangeni.
Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: On this Mother’s Day, early this morning around 06h47, I received a report from our highly dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate informing me about a horrific accident that claimed the lives of nine people, mostly mothers.
Losing a mother is a deeply painful experience that marks the radical change of the family’s life and involves a wide range of sad emotions.
According to a preliminary report, this accident, which happened along the N2 Northbound after Mthunzini Toll Plaza, involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-1, which was transporting 24 members of the Zion Christian Church.
They were travelling to Dukuduku, Umtubatuba.
We have been informed by the RTI and emergency rescue services that a tow truck struck the rear end of the Hyundai H-1 resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.
Those who were injured have been taken to hospitals and we wish them a speedy recovery.
Equally, we express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the Church.
I have assembled a dedicated team from my office to liaise with the church and families during this difficult period.
Finally, I have also mandated the RTI to immediately keep in touch with Road Traffic Management Corporation to ensure that an investigation is conducted around this horrific accident.
We will be updating the people of KwaZulu-Natal as we move forward.
Ends
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
