KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Willies Mchunu is deeply saddened by the loss of eight lives that were in a gruesome taxi crash on Sunday night (13/01/13) near Heidelberg on its way to Johannesburg.

Preliminary reports reveal that, a taxi was travelling from Okhukho to Johannesburg. The victims were coming from home after the Christmas holidays back to work and others to look for jobs in Johannesburg. It is alleged that the taxi lost control and overturned. Eight people died on the scene including a nineteen year old boy who had just completed his matric. Others including the driver were taken to the nearest hospital with serious injuries.

Mchunu has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. "This accident has saddened me to a great deal and knowing that these victims were breadwinners at their homes makes the situation even worse.

I would like send my most sincere and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. This kind of death is always painful and tragic. I have delegated a team from the department to the families, to render any kind of assistance. I would also like to wish those who are still in hospital a speedy recovery" said Mchunu.