READ: Taxi Crash in Phoenix, KZN Leaves Six Injured After Colliding with Nine Vehicles

PHOENIX, KZN – A minibus taxi crashed into nine unoccupied vehicles in a parking lot in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday morning, injuring six passengers. The incident occurred at approximately 06:24, prompting multiple emergency calls from the public.

According to reports, the white Toyota Quantum veered to avoid a vehicle exiting a driveway, leading to the collision. Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded swiftly, confirming that the taxi struck the parked cars, causing minor injuries to six passengers. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. No fatalities were reported, and the extent of the damage to the vehicles remains under assessment.

This incident adds to growing concerns about reckless driving by minibus taxi operators in South Africa, a persistent issue contributing to the country’s high road accident rates. Minibus taxis are a critical mode of transport for millions, but their operation is often marred by unsafe practices. Common causes of taxi-related accidents include speeding, overloading, ignoring traffic signals, and driver fatigue. In KwaZulu-Natal alone, taxi crashes have claimed numerous lives in recent years, with a 2020 incident on the D429 Kilmun Road in Underberg killing 12 people, including a child, when a taxi veered off the road and rolled.

The South African government has acknowledged the problem, with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) urging public transport operators to prioritize road safety, particularly during high-risk periods like the festive season. Fatigue, a leading factor in early-morning crashes, impairs reaction times and decision-making, significantly increasing collision risks. Additionally, a culture of impunity among some taxi drivers, coupled with inconsistent law enforcement, exacerbates the issue. Studies highlight that minibus taxi drivers, alongside heavy vehicle operators, frequently violate traffic regulations, contributing to the high incidence of road traffic injuries.

Efforts to curb reckless driving include stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns, but challenges remain. In 2022, a taxi driver in Waterloo, KZN, fled the scene after running over five children, underscoring the need for accountability. The government has called for roadworthy vehicles and alternate drivers to combat fatigue, yet systemic issues like poor road infrastructure and economic pressures on drivers continue to fuel unsafe practices.

Tuesday’s crash in Phoenix serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure safer roads for all South Africans. Authorities are investigating the incident, and further details are expected as the inquiry progresses.