KEY POINTS
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Five family members died in a crash while transporting a stabbed relative to hospital; one survivor remains critical.
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The accident spotlights poor infrastructure on Eddie Hagen Drive, a high-risk zone with six fatalities since 2023.
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KwaZulu-Natal sees nearly half its crash fatalities linked to crime-related emergencies, prompting calls for systemic reforms.
Five family members were killed in a devastating car crash early Sunday morning in Cato Ridge, west of Durban, while rushing a sixth relative—who had been stabbed and assaulted—to the hospital. The driver lost control of the vehicle on Eddie Hagen Drive, colliding with a concrete drain and splitting the car in half.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson described the crash as “total carnage” upon arrival at 6 a.m. “Four occupants were declared deceased immediately. A fifth victim suffered cardiac arrest during rescue efforts and could not be revived,” he said. The sixth passenger, whose injuries from the earlier assault were compounded by the crash, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
South African Police Service (SAPS) closed the road for investigation, urging motorists to avoid the area. Preliminary reports suggest speeding and poor visibility due to mist may have contributed to the accident. The family’s identity remains undisclosed pending notification of relatives.
Community mourns as fatal crash exposes road safety gaps
Sowetanlive reports that the tragedy highlights recurring road safety concerns in KwaZulu-Natal, which accounts for 22% of South Africa’s fatal accidents annually. Eddie Hagen Drive, a notorious hotspot, has seen six fatal collisions since 2023. Local councillor Thandeka Mkhize lamented: “This road lacks adequate lighting and guardrails. We’ve pleaded for upgrades for years, but nothing changes.”
Meanwhile, the assault victim’s condition adds another layer of grief. Police confirmed the stabbing occurred during a home invasion in nearby Mpumalanga Township, where rising gang violence has spiked emergency hospital trips after dark. “Families shouldn’t risk their lives to save loved ones because of unsafe roads and crime,” said community activist Sipho Dlamini.
Road Accident Fund (RAF) data reveals 45% of KwaZulu-Natal crash fatalities involve drivers evading crime or medical emergencies. Provincial transport MEC Siboniso Duma pledged to fast-track infrastructure upgrades, while trauma counsellors mobilized support for the surviving victim’s family.
