The families of all 11 people killed in last week’s fatal crash in Isipingo have now formally identified their loved ones.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Transport confirmed that investigators assisted relatives at the Park Rynie Mortuary, with the final identification completed on Tuesday afternoon.
The victims died when a truck collided with a minibus taxi on the old R102 in Lotus Park. Authorities believe the truck driver lost control in wet weather conditions before crashing into the taxi, which was reportedly overloaded. Preliminary findings also indicate that the truck’s tyres were severely worn.
Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the victims, aged between 18 and 69, included two people from the Eastern Cape, while the remaining victims will be buried in KwaZulu-Natal.
He described the tragedy as deeply distressing for both families and the broader community.
“The sheer number of victims and the circumstances under which they departed is a source of shock and disbelief,” Sibiya said.
He added that the department welcomed confirmation from the South African Police Service and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy that a full investigation is under way.
“Both SAPS and the Road Traffic Management Corporation must leave no stone unturned,” he said, noting that officials have been working closely with families to support them through the identification process.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing.