Families Shattered By Deadly Taxi Accident

Accident which claimed the lives of 20 people, mostly learners, has left the country devastated.

- Hazel Phiri

THE country is still reeling in shock after the death of 20 people when the minibus taxi they were travelling in collided with a truck and caught fire. Of the 20 people, 18 were school children. Since the accident, devastated families, mainly located in Verena Village, Mpumalanga, have been struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

A FAMILY'S LOSS 

The Mayisela family from Bronkhorstspruit in Gauteng lost three children in the accident. 

Max Mayisela, the father of Thapelo (15), Sibusiso (9) and Nokuthula (8) expressed his sorrow to an online publication, saying, “The gap they have left in my life and family will never be filled. My kids were very close to each other and loved school. I loved them so much. I will always miss them. This is one of the most difficult times for us as a family.” 

The children’s aunt added, “The house is so quiet without the kids and their parents are still shattered by the loss.”

A SCHOOL IN PAIN 

It was reported that the driver of the minibus taxi collided with an oncoming truck after he allegedly miscalculated a turn on the R25 in Verena. The taxi exploded shortly after the impact. People at the scene managed to rescue seven learners before the taxi caught fire. The 20 remaining passengers, who were trapped in the taxi, burnt to death.