Cape Town — A 16-year-old girl was tragically killed when an overloaded taxi carrying school children overturned on Friday in Mitchell’s Plain.
Western Cape police spokesperson, Frederick van Wyk, said the incident occurred on Friday morning as the driver was carrying children to school, TimesLIVE reported.
“Mitchell’s Plain police registered a culpable homicide, driving without a valid driving license, unroadworthy vehicle and overloading case for further investigations after an accident this morning between Tafelberg Road and Spine Road on Swartklip Raod, where a Toyota Quantum carrying about 29 schoolchildren lost control and overturned,” Van Wyk said,
Reports said the minibus taxi was carrying children to schools in Wynberg and Mitchell’s Plain when it lost control and overturned.
“A 16-year-old girl was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel due to injuries sustained, while others were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment,” van Wyk said.
A tragic accident occurred on Swartklip Road, near Mitchells Plain, on Friday morning when an allegedly overloaded minibus taxi transporting schoolchildren overturned.
A 16-year-old girl died from her injuries, while other pupils were taken to local hospitals. pic.twitter.com/mvyOQuzK81
— Mzansi Extreme (@Mzansi_Extreme) October 4, 2024
According to News24, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Quinton Leon, said nine girls and five bots, as well as the driver, were all injured in the accident.
“One fire engine attended to the accident between a truck and a minibus taxi. One adult male, nine female minors and five male minors were transported by ambulances to hospital,” he said.
Western Cape spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, said police registered a reckless and negligent driving case, while Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, emphasised the safety and well-being of children.
Van Wyk said the 25-year-old taxi driver was arrested. He is set to appear in the Mitchells Plain magistrate’s court soon.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
