Calls for motorists to be vigilant during rainy weather after 7 die in Isipingo crash

People in Durban at the mercy of their umbrellas as heavy rainfall batters the city. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo

People in Durban at the mercy of their umbrellas as heavy rainfall batters the city. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo

Published Nov 20, 2022

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Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka is calling for motorists to be more cautious due to inclement weather.

This call comes after another fatal accident in KZN on the R35 near Isipingo in which seven people died on Saturday.

Emer-G-Med said its paramedics attended to the scene of the crash.

“Reports from the scene are that a minibus, a heavy duty vehicle and multiple light motor vehicles have been involved in the collision,” Emer-G-Medi said in a statement.

Transport Department spokesperson Kwanele Ncalane said road users should be extra vigilant due to the rainy weather conditions experienced in some parts of the province over the weekend.

Speaking on the accident, Ncalane said the cause of the crash would be investigated.

“The Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal can confirm it has received the report indicating that on the R35 near Isipingo there was a head-on collision involving a light motor vehicle and a truck. Seven people lost their lives and there is currently task team that is investigating the possible cause of this accident.

“The MEC for Transport in KwaZulu Natal MEC Sipho Hlomuka has expressed condolences to all the affected families and has asked that this accident be investigated thoroughly.”

Weather forecaster from South African Weather Service Durban region Wisani Maluleke said more rains were forecast for the summer months.

“We are expecting a lot of rain this summer. We can also see a lot of rain very fast. We can get 50 millimetres within 24 hours in our region. When it is raining you need to be aware that the road is slippery and you cannot break easily on time, it also affects visibility.”

THE MERCURY