Minister of Transport statement on the Msundusi/Nagal Dam Road crash- KwaZulu-Natal
The Minister of Transport, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, passes condolences to the families of the eighteen (18) passengers who died this morning, Sunday 20 August 2017, at approximately 10:00 on the Msundusi/ Nagal Dam Road, at Msundusi, in KwaZulu Natal.
A Maxlis Minibus was involved in a single vehicle overturned type crash. It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle and it crashed into a barrier on the bridge and rolled down an embankment and landed next to the Msundusi Dam.
There were 26 people in the 16 seater Minibus and the preliminary mechanical investigation revealed that the Minibus had no brakes. Vehicle has been impounded for further investigation.
Minister Maswanganyi directed the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to expedite the investigations into this crash.
The RTMC is further directed to ensure that all taxi operators are held liable for the behaviour of their drivers and for the condition of their vehicles. Where the investigations find that the vehicle was un-roadworthy, the operator must be charged as an accomplice.
The Minister further enjoined the Road Accident Fund to give the families of the deceased and the injured the necessary comfort and support during this time of need.
“As government we will continue to provide leadership and resources to improve road safety, including developing and enforcing laws, providing safer roads, informing the public about road safety issues and fostering improvements in vehicle safety, said Minister Maswanganyi.
Minister Maswanganyi thanks the KZN Department of Transport, the EThekwini Municipality, emergency services and the communities for their swift response in assisting the injured.
“Ultimately road safety is a shared responsibility. Every person who uses the roads has an obligation to act safely and internalise sound road safety norms and values,” Minister Maswanganyi said.
Minister Maswanganyi also wished the eight (8) injured a speedy recovery.
Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Cell: 072 566 0827
