By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@ArriveAlive.
At least 8 people have died in a crash on the N2 Northbound after the Mtunzini Toll Plaza in Empangeni, Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
It is understood that a tow truck and a light delivery vehicle collided on the N2 on Sunday morning.
Private Ambulance Service spokesperson, Craig Botha says over a dozen other people were injured.
“Paramedics responded promptly to the scene, where they found that eight occupants had already succumbed to their injuries before emergency services arrived”, he said.
“They immediately rendered medical assistance to 16 injured survivors. Four occupants sustained critical injuries, and 12 others sustained serious injuries.”
The injured received medical attention at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals for further care.
KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says the passengers were from a ZCC pilgrimage. He added that the driver of the tow truck involved in the accident has been arrested.
“We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the church,” Duma said.
He said a team had been assembled to “liaise with the church and families during this difficult period”.
“I have also mandated the RTI to immediately keep in touch with the RTMC to ensure that an investigation is conducted around this horrific accident.”
Meanwhile four people have died and 14 others were injured following a crash along the N2 highway near Beacon Bay in the Eastern Cape.
The Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose said the bakkie they were travelling in overturned after the driver lost control.
He said it is believed that they were traveling from Bunkers Hill soccer stadium to Gonubie after participating in a match.
Binqose said the 14 injured were taken to Frere hospital for medical treatment.
Binqose added that in a separate incident on Saturday, the body of a man in his 20’s was found lying in a street in the East London CBD.
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