A head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a truck left 11 people dead and five seriously injured on Saturday, May 12.

The accident occurred on the Elim/Waterval Road. At the time of the accident, the taxi was carrying 14 passengers, with two people in the truck.

The taxi was en route to Bushbuckridge. It is believed that the driver of the taxi tried to overtake a vehicle in front of him, crashing into the oncoming truck.

Community members watched in disbelief and shock as rescue workers removed the dead and injured from the wreckage. The mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Ms Gloria Mashaba, as well as representatives of the municipality, visited the scene of the accident.

Regional police spokesperson Supt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi later confirmed that both the driver of the taxi and the truck survived the crash and were rushed to the Elim Hospital for treatment. He added that among the dead and injured were Zimbabweans nationals who worked in South-Africa.

Despite speculation, Mushavhanamdi said that he could not say that the taxi had or had not overtaken another vehicle, thereby causing the accident. He said the police still need to investigate this aspect of the case. Both drivers would be questioned by the police and statements taken, Mushavhanamadi said.

Mr Boiki Tsedu, spokeperson for the Department of Transport, also said that an investigation will be held to determine the cause of the accident. In the meantime, he said, members of the department will visit the injured.

Mr Tsedu did, however, state that accidents such as these are unavoidable if people continue to disregard traffic laws. He appealed to both road users and passengers to take responsibility for road safety.