By Everson Luhanga
- A Toyota Quantum taxi and a bakkie collided on Comaro Road in Bassonia, leaving seven dead and nine critically injured.
- ER24 and City of Johannesburg firefighters used the Jaws of Life to rescue trapped passengers from the wreckage.
Seven people have died and nine others were left fighting for their lives after a horrific crash between a taxi and a bakkie on Comaro Road in Bassonia, Johannesburg.
The accident happened just after 8am on Wednesday between Tarentaal Avenue and Pieter Acryod Avenue. Emergency workers rushed to the scene after reports of a serious collision.
Faheem Essop from ER24 Johannesburg South said paramedics arrived to find a devastating scene with several people trapped inside the wrecked Toyota Quantum taxi.
“The Jaws of Life had to be used to free the occupants, with the help of City of Johannesburg firefighters and Fidelity Secure Fire,” Essop said.
Nine passengers were taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition, but seven of the injured later died from their wounds.
Superintendent Xolani Fihla from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department confirmed the deaths and said the road had been closed in both directions between Tarentaal Avenue and Pieter Acryod Avenue.
“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes until the road is reopened,” he said, adding that traffic was being diverted at Soetdoring Avenue and Pieter Acryod Avenue.
The South African Police Service and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Comaro Road is expected to stay closed for several hours as investigators clear the scene and collect evidence.
Pictured above: A screenshot of the accident.
Image source: Supplied
