Learner (15) and taxi driver die in taxi, train collision

Update

KAROO NEWS - Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide following a fatal accident between a minibus taxi and a train which claimed the life of the taxi driver and a learner (15).

Twenty school learners were injured in the accident which happened yesterday afternoon, Thursday 1 February near Addo.

According to police spokesperson Col. Priscilla Naidu, police were called to the scene at about 15:45 police where the taxi, transporting learners from Samnkelwe Senior Secondary School back home, had collided with a train transporting Manganese near the railway crossing in Nomathamsanqa.

"The driver of the minibus was declared dead at the scene, while 20 passengers from the minibus were rushed to hospital. One of the victims, a 15-year-old boy, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Gqeberha," said Naidu.

Unfortunately the boy succumbed to his injuries mere hours after being airlifted to Livingston Hospital.

EMS assisted with immediate assistance on the scene, whilst medical personnel in Addo and Kirkwood assisted the injured.

This very busy and dangerous crossing, is the only legal entry into the Nomathamsanqa informal settlement. Community members and family of the learners gathered here when they were eventually allowed on the scene.

This accident adds to the current crisis with regard to the status of learner transport in the Eastern Cape.

The investigation is ongoing.

Family members gathered at the scene of the incident. Photo: Supplied