Seven killed in horrific minibus taxi crash in Bassonia

A horrific minibus taxi crash has claimed the lives of seven people on Comaro Road in Bassonia, south of Johannesburg.

The victims – five women and two men, aged between 30 and 45 – died at the scene.

According to authorities, a Toyota Quantum’s brakes failed while travelling downhill, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle struck a streetlight before crashing into a tree.

Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, says the impact was so severe that parts of the taxi dislodged and hit a bakkie travelling in the opposite direction.

Fihla confirmed that the bakkie’s driver escaped unharmed.

“Seven other passengers, along with the taxi driver, sustained serious injuries and were transported to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Diepkloof, Soweto, for urgent medical treatment,” he said.

A case of culpable homicide has been opened.

Meanwhile, Johannesburg Emergency Services says it remains on high alert as severe thunderstorms are expected today.

The South African Weather Service has issued Yellow Level 2 and Level 4 warnings, with the most intense storms expected over Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.

Emergency Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution.