Three dead in Kruger National Park taxi crash
Three people died and several others were injured when the taxi they were travelling in overturned between Shingwedzi and Mopani in the northern section of the Kruger National Park, SANParks said on Sunday.
The three were day visitors, SANParks said in a statement. Preliminary reports suggested there was no other car involved, but the SA Police Service was investigating the incident and the circumstances around it.
“According to eyewitnesses, the car veered off the road and overturned. Two people were certified dead on the scene and another passed away on the way to hospital. Several others who suffered minor injuries were treated on the scene while the more seriously injured were transported by ambulances to hospitals in the area,” SANParks said.
KNP managing executive Glenn Phillips extended sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
“It is indeed a tragic event to lose someone, but to lose three is even more devastating. When reports of the accident were received we immediately dispatched ambulances and medical personnel from Phalaborwa and Malamulele to assist those affected.
“The SAPS are conducting the investigation of what could have actually happened and we hope that the affected families will be able to gain access to the results of their investigations at the appropriate time.
“We also appeal to people not to start speculating about what happened. We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery,” Phillips said.
The names of the dead could not be released until their next-of-kin had been notified. Those who were injured were receiving trauma counselling as well, SANParks said.