A tragic collision on Comaro Road in Bassonia, Johannesburg, has left seven people dead and nine others critically injured after a Toyota Quantum taxi collided with a bakkie on Wednesday morning.
The accident occurred just after 8am between Tarentaal Avenue and Pieter Acryod Avenue, prompting an extensive emergency response.
ER24 spokesperson Faheem Essop said paramedics arrived to a devastating scene, where several passengers were trapped inside the wrecked 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 succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
Superintendent Xolani Fihla from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed the fatalities and said Comaro Road had been closed in both directions while authorities worked to clear the scene.
“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes until the road is reopened,” Fihla said, adding that traffic was being diverted via Soetdoring Avenue and Pieter Acryod Avenue.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and JMPD have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The names of the victims have not yet been released.
Comaro Road is expected to remain closed for several hours as investigators reconstruct the scene and gather evidence.
