D267 FATALITIES INCREASES TO NINE

Update on D267 Road crash

The number of fatalities in the crash on the D267 Road between Dundonald and Mayflower, has now risen to nine following the discovery of another body metres away from the crash scene this morning.

The body was discovered following a search operation that was conducted by the police working closely with the community and other stakeholders.

It is believed that the body fell in the river upon impact and it was trapped in between rocks.

The crash occurred yesterday after the minibus that was transporting learners from school overturned on the same road.

Yesterday eight learners lost their lives in the crash. Seven learners perished at the scene while the eighth person passed on at the hospital.

Ten passengers sustained moderate to serious injuries and they are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

The driver of the minibus has since been arrested and charged with nine counts of culpable homicide, failure to produce operating licence, overloading and operating a vehicle that is not roadworthy, among others.

He is expected to appear in the Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 18 February 2021.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, earlier today visited the scene of the crash where found scores of community members who were part of the team that ultimately discovered the bodiyof the ninth victim.

Delegation from the Department of Education, Social Development visited the affected to facilitate psychosocial support to affected learners and educators.

A task team will be set up to work with the bereaved families in finalizing funeral arrangements.

Shongwe called for intensified psychosocial support to the affected and learners from the affected schools. The victims are aged between five and 13 years of age.

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