The death toll from a horror head-on crash between a minibus and a truck on the N2 between Mt Frere and Mt Ayliff in the Eastern Cape has risen to 15.
Eastern Cape Transport, Safety, and Liaison MEC, Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe said all the occupants of the minibus, including the driver, died in Wednesday afternoon’s accident.
The truck driver and his passenger were rushed to a hospital with serious injuries.
“The accident comes as a major setback to a province that has just recorded an unprecedented low of eight fatalities during the entire Easter season,” Tikana-Gxothiwe said.
She said it was also “very disturbing” that at a time when the number of Covid-19 cases is climbing on a daily basis, there are still those who have no regard for the regulations in place.
“The 70% passenger limit had been widely communicated and is known by everyone. It is this complete disregard for the rule of law that has led us to where we are today,” Tikana-Gxothiwe said.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has also sent his condolences to the families of the deceased and also wished the two people injured a speedy recovery.
He said that the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s Crash Investigation Unit will be working with the South African Police Service on the investigation.
"Officials will also ascertain whether or not any lockdown regulations were contravened," he said.
(Pic: Supplied)
