WATCH | Cato Ridge road hit by another horror crash after 10 killed

Another horrific crash has struck the MR385 in the Cato Ridge area, less than 24 hours after 10 people were killed in a crash on the same road on Wednesday night.

The latest collision involves a taxi carrying schoolchildren, a truck and another light motor vehicle, with multiple casualties reported.

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ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said emergency crews arrived on the scene Thursday morning.

“ALS Paramedics are currently on the scene of yet another horrific crash on the exact same road where the taxi collision occurred last night, where 10 people passed away on the MR385 in the Cato Ridge area,” Jamieson said.

Again, a taxi carrying school children collided with a truck and another light motor vehicle, leaving multiple casualties, mostly children, with various injuries.

The crash occurred on the MR385, also known as Old Georgedale Road.

The scene remained active, with emergency and other response teams attending to the injured.

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“The exact cause of this collision is unknown at this stage; however, this will be investigated by the necessary authorities,” Jamieson said.

Further details on the number and severity of casualties were not immediately available.

10 killed on same road

Ten people died after a minibus taxi lost control and crashed into a tree on the MR385 in Cato Ridge on Wednesday evening.

Five others sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, including allegations made by witnesses.

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Duma said allegations that the private minibus taxi driver had consumed alcohol before the crash would be investigated, as would claims that the driver tried to avoid pedestrians before losing control.

“Under normal circumstances, we always avoid finger-pointing, but it would be irresponsible not to investigate allegations that the private minibus taxi driver had consumed alcohol before the accident,” Duma said.

There are further allegations that the driver tried to avoid pedestrians and lost control of the vehicle that eventually hit the tree.

The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and Durban Metro Police are working with the South African Police Service and Road Traffic Management Corporation as part of the investigation.

Duma said teams from his office and Road Safety would also be supporting the families of the 10 victims.

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The department plans to assist families with funeral arrangements, coordinate Road Accident Fund visits and determine dates and locations for a memorial service.

Duma also wished the five survivors of Wednesday night’s crash a speedy recovery.

They were taken to R.K. Khan and Hibiscus hospitals.

The cause of that crash remains under investigation.