Five people were injured when a minibus taxi lost control and crashed into a tree on Prickle Pear Road in Waterloo, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday.
According to reports, the accident involved a Toyota Quantum transporting passengers, including schoolchildren. Among those injured were four scholars and one adult woman.
Emergency services were alerted to the scene after a concerned member of the public contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for assistance. Reaction officers responded swiftly and, upon arrival, assessed the situation and coordinated with paramedics to assist the injured.
Preliminary findings suggest that the taxi was travelling uphill when it allegedly suffered brake failure. The mechanical fault caused the vehicle to roll backward down the steep incline. As the taxi gained speed while moving downhill in reverse, the driver reportedly lost control. The vehicle then veered off the road and crashed into a tree.
In a desperate attempt to escape the out-of-control taxi, an elderly female passenger reportedly jumped from the moving vehicle. She sustained serious head injuries during the fall and was treated as a priority at the scene.
The four scholars who were on board the taxi suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Emergency medical personnel from a private ambulance service stabilised all injured passengers on-site before transporting them to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
Fortunately, the driver of the taxi was not injured in the crash.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any charges will be laid, but the incident highlights ongoing concerns around vehicle maintenance and road safety, particularly in the public transport sector. Brake failure remains one of the leading causes of serious road accidents, especially on steep or poorly maintained roads.
Residents in the Waterloo area have previously raised concerns about the condition of roads such as Prickle Pear Road, which can become hazardous due to steep gradients and heavy traffic from public transport vehicles.
The incident also raises awareness about passenger safety and the importance of regular vehicle inspections. Ensuring that taxis are roadworthy is crucial in preventing such accidents, especially when transporting vulnerable passengers like schoolchildren.
Investigations into the exact cause of the crash are expected to continue. Meanwhile, authorities are urging motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and to exercise caution when driving on steep or potentially dangerous roads.
The injured victims are currently receiving medical care, and their conditions are being monitored.
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