Mapaballo Borotho

- Worn-out tyres are believed to have played a role in a Durban crash that claimed 11 lives.
- Authorities say both drivers may be held accountable, with the taxi found to be overloaded and the driver’s PrDP expired.
- Six survivors were hospitalised, as the tragedy comes shortly after KZN reported a drop in festive-season road deaths.
The truck involved in the crash that killed 11 people in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday morning, 29 January 2026, was found to have worn-out tyres.
Although the cause of the accident is still under investigation, KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma says both the taxi driver and the truck driver should be held accountable for the tragic incident.
“Owners of the truck must face consequences for focusing on maximising profit and not ensuring the roadworthiness of the vehicle. It is illegal to be driving with worn tyres,” said Duma.
Witnesses who saw the crash alleged that the truck driver made a U-turn, resulting in a head-on collision.
It also emerged that the taxi driver’s PrDP expired in 2023 and the vehicle was overloaded, carrying between 17 and 18 passengers.
Six people survived the accident and were taken to different hospitals for medical attention.
The crash comes just after the province recorded an 18% decrease in road fatalities during the 2025/26 festive season.
READ NEXT: Tragedy in KZN as 11 people die in truck and taxi collision



