Taxi driver freed three hours after KZN horror crash that claimed 11 lives

The driver trapped in the wreckage of a devastating KwaZulu-Natal taxi crash that claimed 11 lives has been freed and rushed to hospital in critical condition.

ALS Paramedics said rescuers used the Jaws of Life in a painstaking operation that lasted three hours to extricate the driver.

The accident happened on the R102 near Lotus Park, Isipingo, south of Durban, on Thursday, January 29.

Spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said a truck and taxi collided head-on just after 7.30 am, sending both vehicles off the road and up an embankment.

"Multiple patients were found entrapped, and immediately, the eThekwini Fire Department was called to assist," Jamieson said.

"Unfortunately, 11 people have lost their lives on the scene, including a 13-year-old. Approximately eight others have sustained critical injuries and have been rushed to the hospital."

The roadway remains closed as investigations continue.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, is on his way to the scene and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

"This accident has occurred after we recorded a historic 18% decrease in fatalities during the festive season," Duma said.

He added that a team from the Department of Transport is locating the families of the victims.

"We will do everything in our power to ensure that they receive the necessary support. Witnesses have alleged that the truck driver made a u-turn resulting in a head-on collision. It is for these reasons that I have mandated the RTI team to work with the Durban Metro Police and SAPS as part of an investigation. We want to establish the cause of this accident."