KwaZulu-Natal — A tragic accident on Sunday night along the R66 near the Dokodweni off-ramp on the KZN north coast claimed the lives of five members of the same family, including two young children, while leaving seven others critically injured.
A devastating collision along the R66 near the Dokodweni off-ramp in KwaZulu-Natal has claimed the lives of five members of the same family, including two young children, and left seven others seriously injured. The tragic accident, which occurred on Sunday night, has sent shockwaves through the local community and reignited urgent calls for improved road safety on the notoriously dangerous stretch of road.
The fatal crash involved a collision between a car and a bakkie. Among those killed were a mother, father, their three-year-old child, and a two-month-old baby. The family’s sudden and heartbreaking loss has deeply affected residents in the area.
Samantha Meyrick, spokesperson for IPSS Medical Rescue, confirmed the grim details of the accident. “This tragic collision has resulted in the loss of five family members, including the mother, father, and their two young children aged three years and two months,” she said.
In addition to the five fatalities, seven individuals were seriously injured in the crash, including four children under the age of 14. Emergency responders acted quickly, providing medical assistance at the scene before transferring the victims to various hospitals in the region for further treatment.
“The injured are in critical condition and are receiving the necessary medical attention. Our teams worked tirelessly to stabilize them before transport,” Meyrick added.
Shockingly, this was the second fatal crash on the R66 in the same weekend. The recurrence of deadly incidents along this stretch has led to mounting concern among community members and public officials alike, with many calling for immediate action to address the road’s growing safety hazards.
Seven Seriously Injured as Five Family Members Die in Horrific KwaZulu-Natal Accident
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has launched a full investigation into the incident. While the exact cause has yet to be determined, preliminary findings suggest factors such as speeding, driver fatigue, or poor road conditions could have contributed to the deadly collision.
In a public statement, the department urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially when travelling on the R66. “This route has seen a disturbing increase in serious accidents,” said one official. “There is an urgent need for enhanced infrastructure—improved lighting, clearer road signage, and more regular law enforcement patrols.”
Local residents and community leaders expressed their grief and frustration over the tragic loss, especially the deaths of the two young children. “This is an unbearable tragedy,” said one visibly shaken resident. “We are devastated. Authorities must act now—how many more lives must we lose before changes are made?”
Road safety activists echoed these sentiments, pointing to the urgent need for public education campaigns on the dangers of reckless or distracted driving. They called for greater emphasis on defensive driving techniques, better driver fatigue management, and awareness of high-risk rural roads.
In the aftermath of the accident, the KwaZulu-Natal Health Department pledged its support to the victims and their families. Medical and psychological care, including trauma counseling, has been offered to the injured and bereaved.
As forensic teams continue to investigate and medical staff work around the clock to assist the survivors, the province of KwaZulu-Natal is once again left mourning. This latest tragedy has underscored the need for systemic changes to prevent such accidents and to protect lives on South Africa’s roads.
The R66, now synonymous with heartache for many, stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered—and how urgently safer roads and more responsible driving must become a national priority.
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