KEY POINTS
- A collision between a taxi and a light motor vehicle on the M4 Southbound near Himalayas Road in Durban left twenty people hospitalized, with emergency services responding swiftly to the scene.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting speeding or driver fatigue as possible factors, while urging drivers to exercise caution on busy routes.
- The incident has reignited calls for improved road safety measures in South Africa, where traffic accidents remain a significant public health concern.
A serious collision on the M4 Southbound near Himalayas Road in Durban has left twenty people hospitalized, with emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath.
The M4 Southbound accident, which occurred during the morning rush hour, involved a taxi and a light motor vehicle, causing significant disruption to traffic and prompting a swift response from emergency personnel.
According to eyewitnesses, the crash happened around 7:30 AM when the taxi, reportedly carrying 15 passengers, collided with a light motor vehicle at the M4 Southbound.
The impact was severe, with both vehicles sustaining extensive damage. “It was chaos. The taxi swerved suddenly, and then there was a loud crash.
People were screaming, and some passengers were trapped inside,” said one witness who asked to remain anonymous.
Emergency services, including ALS Paramedics, quickly arrived at the scene to assist the injured.
Garrith Jamieson, director of ALS Paramedics, confirmed that twenty individuals were transported to various hospitals across Durban for treatment. “Our teams worked efficiently to stabilize the injured
and ensure they received immediate medical attention. The injuries ranged from minor to critical, but thankfully, no fatalities have been reported at this stage,” Jamieson stated.
Authorities Urge Caution as Investigation into the Cause of the Crash Begins
As emergency crews cleared the wreckage and traffic began to flow again, authorities in M4 Southbound turned their attention to determining the cause of the accident.
Preliminary investigations suggest that speeding and possible driver fatigue may have played a role, but officials have not ruled out other factors such as mechanical failure or road conditions.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand what led to this collision. It’s too early to pinpoint the exact cause, but we urge all drivers to exercise caution, especially during peak hours,” Jamieson added.
The M4 Southbound is one of Durban’s busiest routes, and accidents on this stretch of road are not uncommon.
Local authorities have called for increased safety measures, including better signage and stricter enforcement of traffic laws, to prevent similar incidents in the future. “This is a wake-up call for all of us. We need to prioritize road safety to protect lives,” said a spokesperson for the Durban Metro Police.
