Pretoria, South Africa—Six people died instantly Saturday afternoon when a heavy-duty articulated truck collided head-on with a minibus taxi on a notorious stretch of highway outside Pretoria.
The crash occurred on the N4 toll route near the R515 intersection when the truck driver allegedly lost control after a tire burst. The heavy vehicle veered across the median and slammed directly into the oncoming passenger taxi.
The force of the impact completely obliterated the minibus, scattering debris across several lanes of the highway. Traffic police and emergency services from the City of Tshwane responded rapidly to the scene, finding a chaotic situation.
Paramedics confirmed that all six occupants of the minibus taxi, including the driver and five passengers, sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead on arrival. The truck driver suffered minor injuries and was treated for shock at the roadside.
The highway was closed for several hours in both directions to allow for forensic accident reconstruction and the clearing of wreckage. The incident caused severe traffic disruptions, forcing motorists to utilize alternative routes.
Road Traffic Management Corporation officials expressed deep concern over the recurring high rate of fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles and public transport. Authorities launched a preliminary inquiry into the condition of the truck tires and the driver’s logbook.
Grief counselors were dispatched to support traumatized witnesses and first responders. The bodies of the deceased were transported to the nearest government mortuary for formal identification and post-mortem examinations.
This latest tragedy highlights ongoing challenges regarding road safety enforcement on major intercity routes. Investigations into the specific circumstances of the collision are ongoing.
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