Tragedy struck the quiet streets of Pinetown this morning when a minibus taxi carrying school children collided with a truck, leaving nine young pupils injured. The accident occurred around 7:30 AM on the busy Old Main Road near the Marymount Primary School intersection, a route teeming with learners heading to classes.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the taxi, believed to be transporting pupils from a nearby township, swerved to avoid a pothole before slamming into an oncoming goods truck. “I saw the taxi flip onto its side. The children were screaming, and parents rushed from all directions,” said local shop owner Sipho Nkosi, who helped pull victims from the wreckage.
Emergency services, including Netcare 911 and Durban Fire Department crews, responded swiftly. Seven children suffered minor cuts and bruises, while two – aged 10 and 12 – sustained serious injuries, including fractures and possible head trauma. All were rushed to RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, where doctors report stable conditions. No fatalities have been recorded, offering a glimmer of hope amid the distress.
Police spokesperson Captain Nelly Dlamini confirmed the truck driver escaped unharmed but was detained for questioning. Preliminary investigations point to possible speeding and vehicle defects, with the taxi’s brakes under scrutiny. “Road safety remains a critical concern, especially during peak school hours,” Dlamini urged, calling for stricter enforcement.
The community is rallying, with school principals canceling classes and churches organizing prayers. Pinetown residents decry poor road maintenance as a recurring hazard. As KZN Tonight Podcast covers this unfolding story, tune in tonight for witness interviews and expert analysis on preventing such heartbreak.
In a province where road accidents claim too many lives, this incident underscores the urgent need for safer roads and vigilant drivers. Our thoughts are with the families.