Seven dead in Bassonia cash amid heavy rain

Seven people were killed in a gruesome road accident on Comaro Road in Bassonia, south of Johannesburg, on Wednesday morning. The crash, which involved a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a Ford Ranger bakkie, happened around 07:40 during heavy rainfall that caused slippery road conditions and poor visibility.

According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the accident occurred when the taxi’s brakes allegedly failed while travelling downhill. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which first hit a street lamp pole before crashing into a tree.

JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that seven passengers, five women and two men aged between thirty and forty-five, died at the scene. “The impact of the collision caused the taxi’s body parts to dislodge and strike a bakkie travelling in the opposite direction, damaging its windscreen,” said Fihla. The driver of the Ford Ranger was not injured.

Seven other passengers and the taxi driver sustained serious injuries. They were taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Diepkloof, Soweto, for emergency treatment. A case of culpable homicide has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to determine the cause of the accident.

Traffic was heavily affected, with JMPD officers diverting vehicles to alternative routes. Motorists experienced long delays as emergency teams worked to clear the wreckage from the scene.

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) said they were on high alert as heavy rainfall continued across the city. EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urged motorists to drive carefully, especially during wet weather. “We are pleading with motorists to slow down, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid flooded roads or low-lying bridges,” said Mulaudzi.

He said the EMS aquatic rescue unit, with its specialised team for water-related emergencies, was on standby. “We are monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies that may occur,” he said. Mulaudzi also urged residents living near streams to remain vigilant and to report emergencies by calling 0113755911 or 112.

Road safety experts have long warned that wet weather increases the risk of accidents in Johannesburg and across Gauteng. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), at least 15 percent of all serious crashes recorded annually in South Africa occur during rainy or wet conditions. Most of these accidents are linked to speeding, worn tyres, poor vehicle maintenance, and limited visibility caused by rain or mist.

In Gauteng alone, more than 1,400 people lost their lives in road accidents between January and September this year. Authorities have repeatedly urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to adjust their speed when roads are slippery.

The Department of Transport has repeatedly urged drivers to take extra precautions when roads are slippery and to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, especially brakes and tyres.