Five killed in fiery three-vehicle crash in Midrand

Five people have died and 11 others were injured after a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Old Pretoria Main Road and Maxwell Drive in Midrand.

The crash happened at about 5pm on Tuesday, September 22.

According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), a red Toyota Hi-Ace minibus taxi was travelling northbound on Old Pretoria Main Road when its driver allegedly failed to stop at a traffic signal.

The taxi then collided with a black Mercedes-Benz G63 and a silver Mercedes-Benz C-Class travelling eastbound on Maxwell Drive.

The impact caused the Toyota Hi-Ace and the silver Mercedes-Benz to catch fire.

The taxi driver, an adult man, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Tembisa Hospital.

Five taxi passengers, two men and three women, died in the crash. Their bodies were burnt beyond recognition and were taken to the Hillbrow Mortuary.

A further 10 passengers sustained injuries ranging from slight to serious and were transported to various hospitals for treatment.

The driver of the Mercedes-Benz G63 was not injured, while the female driver of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and two children travelling in the vehicle also escaped unharmed.

A case of culpable homicide will be opened at the Midrand SAPS station for further investigation.