A routine school commute turned into a scene of chaos and concern this morning when a taxi veered off Moses Mabhida Road in Pietermaritzburg, tumbling down an embankment and injuring several passengers — including six young children.
Emergency services from KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service responded swiftly to the alarming incident. Paramedics treated six primary school pupils, aged between 7 and 12, as well as one adult who was also on board the taxi. Fortunately, all sustained only minor injuries, but the emotional shock was evident as responders worked quickly to stabilize the injured.
The victims were transported to a nearby hospital for further assessment and care, while authorities secured the scene and began preliminary investigations into what caused the crash. The exact circumstances leading to the taxi losing control remain unclear at this stage, with mechanical failure, road conditions, or driver error all possible factors being considered.
The incident has reignited concerns over road safety, particularly when it comes to public transport vehicles ferrying schoolchildren.
As the investigation continues, parents and community members are calling for greater oversight of local transport services and more stringent vehicle safety checks to prevent a similar event from happening again.
