BY Azola Matros
A 16-YEAR-OLD Gqeberha pupil has died after a taxi overturned.
The taxi, which was carrying 29 pupils overturned on Swartkops, near Gqeberha on Monday, 07 October.
The driver was transporting pupils from Motherwell. They attend various schools in the Gqeberha and Swartkops areas.
Police revealed that the 25-year-old driver, who has since been arrested, doesn’t have a driver’s licence.
When the DK Team arrived at the scene, the taxi was still upside down on the side of the road. When it was later removed by a car towing company, a school bag, pencils, water bottles and hair extensions with some blood stains were found at the scene.
Police spokesman, Captain Frederick van Wyk said the taxi was overloaded.
Swartkops police registered a culpable homicide, driving without a valid driving licence, unroadworthy vehicle and overloading case for further investigation following an accident around 6.30am on Monday, 7 October, between Tafelberg street and Spine Road, where a Toyota Quantum carrying about 29 schoolkids lost control and overturned,” Van Wyk said.
“According to reports, the minibus taxi was transporting schoolkids to different schools in Swartkops and Motherwell when it lost control and overturned. A 16-year-old girl was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel due to injuries sustained. Others were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The 25-year-old taxi driver was arrested for the abovementioned charges and will appear in the Gqeberha Magistrates Court once charged
We’re deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a vehicle transporting pupils this morning, which resulted in the heartbreaking loss of a young life.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the dead during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish those who were injured speedy recovery. The safety and well-being of our kids are of utmost importance, and this incident is a devastating reminder of the fragility of life,” Sileku said.
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