MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed that the driver of the tow truck was arrested after the tragic accident.
An investigation has been launched after eight church members lost their lives in a devastating accident on Sunday morning along the N2 near Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport confirmed the final death toll after initial reports suggested nine fatalities.
Accident on N2
Provincial Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma revealed that the accident involved a tow truck and a Hyundai H-100 bakkie.
“Members of the South African Police Service are investigating a case of culpable homicide,” Duma stated.
Additionally, Duma confirmed that the driver of the tow truck has been arrested.
He said both vehicles will be subject to a comprehensive investigation.
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Church and community impact
The victims were members of Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion, headquartered in Hluhluwe.
The horrific nature of the accident was compounded by the difficulty in identifying victims, with Duma noting that “dismembered body parts resulted in the miscalculation of the victims”.
Reverand Simiso Mathe from the local Intathakusa Church in Zion said nine church members were initially treated and discharged, with three still receiving hospital treatment.
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Support for crash victims
In response to the tragedy, Duma has mobilised support for the affected families.
“My office will work with the elders of Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion and families to ensure that the departed are given a dignified funeral,” he said.
Furthermore, the department has mandated senior management from the Road Traffic Inspectorate and provincial chaplains to provide support to the grieving families.
Duma said counselling services will be extended to both emergency personnel and surviving church members to help them cope with the traumatic incident.
The victims’ identification is scheduled to take place at the Richards Bay Mortuary.
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