Most of the deceased are school pupils who were in the bakkie, which was reportedly parked at the roadside
EMERGENCY services are still on scene at the horrific accident on the N2 near Pongola, working tirelessly to extricate the bodies of those who lost their lives when a truck ploughed into a bakkie this afternoon (Friday).
The latest reports state the death toll has risen to 21.*
Circumstances surrounding the collision are still unclear, but Pongola Mayor Velephi Sikhosana alleges that a truck lost control and collided with a bakkie that was parked at the roadside.
The bakkie contained school pupils and two adults, who also lost their lives.
One pupil suffered critical injuries and was rushed to iTshelejuba Hospital for further medical care.
The mayor urged motorists to drive with caution at all times to avoid such carnage.
We hope the affected families will find comfort, hope and courage during this time of painful loss, and we wish the injured child a speedy recovery,” she said.
KZN Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka expressed sadness and said this accident comes as the province is preparing an intense Transport Month campaign in October.
*UPDATE:
There has been an update. Sadly the death toll increased to 21 fatalities. The Fatalities include 2 adults and 19 children, The children were primary school children aged between 5 and 12 transported from school to home this afternoon.
Robert McKenzie KZN EMS