29 March 2009
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Bheki Cele
has expressed his deepest shock and condolences to the families of the ten
victims killed in the gruesome accident on the N3 South bound near Midmar dam
on Saturday, 29 March 2009.
Preliminary reports have revealed that the minibus was travelling towards
Pietermaritzburg from Gauteng lost control and crashed into the timber 24
truck, which was broken down and stationery on the emergency lane. It is
alleged that ten victims died on the scene, and five critically injured with
one male victim being uplifted by helicopter to Saint Anneâs hospital in
Pietermaritzburg. Six victims who died including the driver were males and four
were females. The course of this accident is unknown at this stage pending the
police investigation however, speed as a possible motive cannot be ruled
out.
âI wish to express my deepest condolences to the friends and families of
those who have lost their lives in this horrific accident, however I urge all
motorist to be extra careful when travelling on these roads and ensure that
they keep up to the speed limits at all times to avoid such painful death,â
said Cele.
Media Contact:
Nonkululeko Mbatha
Cell: 083 645 6252
Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison,
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
29 March 2009
