The death toll has risen to 23 following three devastating road crashes on Saturday in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Department of Transport confirmed that 23 people had lost their lives, up from the initial count of 21.
Among the deceased were a Grade 8 Michaelhouse pupil and his parents.
The family was returning from a rugby match when tragedy struck. The younger brother is currently in hospital.
The Department of Transport MEC Siboniso Duma declared a week of mourning after the tragedy, saying it was one of the biggest loss of lives due to road accidents.
On Tuesday, MEC Duma visited the victims at Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg and inspected the vehicle, a Toyota Hilux that was involved in the crash on Saturday in Mooi River that claimed 12 lives.
The accident on the R622 including foreign nationals from Lesotho.
The Department of Transport said according to preliminary reports, it is alleged that the driver of the White Toyota Hilux lost control and his vehicle smashed into a Toyota Fortuner. Both drivers were killed.
Seven passengers were killed in the Toyota Hilux, while two passengers in the Toyota Fortuner also died on the scene.
Duma said: “The trauma that families are experiencing will take many years to heal but we are hopeful that the support to be offered by their government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal will give them enough strength and courage to tide over this storm.”
IOL News