Transport Dept says Eastern Cape bares brunt of deadly Van Reenen Pass
Transport Dept says Eastern Cape bares brunt of deadly Van Reenen Pass! The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has expressed profound grief over the loss of 17 lives in a devastating collision on Van Reenen Pass earlier this week. Although the tragedy occurred in KwaZulu-Natal, the impact is deeply felt in the Eastern Cape, as most victims were from the province.
The Incident
On Monday, a minibus taxi traveling from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg collided with a truck on the N3 at Van Reenen Pass. The crash resulted in the deaths of 17 passengers, leaving only one survivor, who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The tragic event has drawn attention to road safety during the busy holiday travel season, a time when many families embark on long journeys to reunite with loved ones.
Eastern Cape Families in Mourning
Provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the accident has left a trail of devastation in the Eastern Cape. “Although the accident happened in KwaZulu-Natal, the pain and mourning are being felt acutely in our province,” Binqose stated.
Many of the victims were from the Eastern Cape, leaving their families grappling with unimaginable loss. The accident underscores the region’s vulnerability during peak travel times, as residents often rely on long-distance minibus taxis for transportation.
A Bleak Holiday Period
Binqose reflected on the sorrow that the holiday season has brought to the province, describing it as a period marked by an overwhelming sense of loss.
“The devastation this period has caused to a lot of families across the Eastern Cape is beyond measure, not just on crashes that have happened in our province, but even those that have happened beyond our borders, as illustrated by this recent accident on the N3 in KZN,” he said.
The Eastern Cape has been plagued by numerous road accidents during the holiday season, exacerbating the grief felt by communities already mourning the loss of loved ones.
Support for the Families
In light of the tragedy, efforts are being made to support the affected families. The owner of the minibus taxi involved in the crash has reportedly pledged to provide transportation for relatives to travel to Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, to identify the remains of their loved ones.
While this gesture offers some logistical relief, the emotional toll on the families remains immeasurable. Many are struggling to come to terms with the abrupt and tragic loss of their loved ones.
The Sole Survivor
The lone survivor of the crash is said to be in critical condition but is receiving medical attention. Authorities and medical teams are closely monitoring their progress.
The survivor’s account may provide critical insights into the circumstances leading up to the crash, which could aid investigators in understanding what went wrong and potentially prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Call for Road Safety Measures
The Van Reenen Pass accident has reignited calls for stricter road safety measures, especially during peak travel seasons. Long-distance taxis, often overloaded and driven under pressure to meet tight schedules, are frequently involved in such fatal incidents.
Authorities have emphasized the need for regular vehicle inspections, adherence to speed limits, and driver fatigue management. “The safety of our people should be paramount,” Binqose stressed.
A Province in Mourning
The Eastern Cape, known for its close-knit communities, is united in grief over the lives lost. Vigils and memorial services are expected to be held in the coming days as families and friends come together to honor the deceased.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the province remains committed to improving road safety and supporting the affected families. However, the pain of this loss will linger for years to come.
A Somber Reminder
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that South African roads pose, particularly during high-traffic periods. It is a call to action for both authorities and the public to prioritize safety and vigilance to prevent further loss of life.
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport, alongside national authorities, has vowed to redouble its efforts in addressing the causes of road accidents, ensuring that the lives lost on Van Reenen Pass were not in vain.
