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Johannesburg — At least 19 people have died and four left critically injured after a truck and minibus taxi collided on the R28 towards Vereeniging, ER24 paramedics said yesterday. Earlier it was reported that 15 people had died. “ER24 paramedics and other services arrived on scene and found the area in chaos,” said the service’s spokesperson Chitra Bodasing.

“Patients were lying all over the scene.” A young child was also among the three critically injured people airlifted to hospital. The fourth person was taken to hospital by ambulance. The accident apparently happened after the taxi driver lost control of the vehicle. It then collided with the truck.

“The taxi apparently rolled multiple times and burst into flames. Patients were ejected.” A full investigation into the exact cause of the accident would still need to be completed.

Bodasing said paramedics were still on the scene treating those with different kinds of injuries, including burn wounds. The truck driver sustained minor injuries but has been transported to hospital. — News24