DURBAN – Two soccer players were killed and multiple others were left critically injured when the bakkie they were travelling in overturned in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Sunday afternoon.
Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson said one player died at the scene and the other died in hospital.
Robertson said it was possible that more players had died during the night but that was something the police could confirm.
He said the players were believed to be aged between 20 and 30.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed that Impendle police opened a case of culpable homicide for investigation.
“It is alleged that on March 27, 2022, at 4.10pm, the driver of a bakkie was driving along Impendle Road in KwaNovuka when he lost control of the vehicle and it overturned,” Gwala said.
“A 17-year-old passenger was confirmed dead at the scene and 12 sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical attention. Two victims later succumbed to their injuries on their arrival at hospital.”
Earlier, Robertson said their control room had received multiple calls at around 4.45pm reporting that a bakkie had rolled. The players had been returning from a game in Impendle, outside Boston.
Robertson said five Howick EMS ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
“Upon arrival, paramedics found multiple critical patients requiring urgent advanced life support care with four of them being placed on manual ventilators at the scene,” Robertson said.
“One patient was declared dead at the scene.”
“Around 10 other patients required urgent help,” added Robertson.
He said EMRS, the Fire Department and SAPS were at the scene.
Commenting on the incident, Odette van der Merwe said it was sad but also questioned how more than 10 people could be transported on a bakkie.
“Illegal transportation sadly! Wishing all a safe recovery!”
Jordan Chiliza said he had watched the team play on Sunday.
Daily News