Western Cape Transport Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela has called for a full investigation following the death of 10 construction workers after their bakkie overturned on Ou Kaapse Weg early on Saturday morning after its brakes apparently failed.
Nine people were declared dead on the scene and a tenth died later in hospital, said the minister.
Two other men sustained serious injuries and eleven others sustained minor injuries.
City traffic spokesperson, Maxine Bezuidenhout, confirmed the nine fatalities on Saturday.
She said: “At approximately 2.30am along Ou Kaapse Weg (near Steenberg) the driver of a light delivery vehicle lost control of the vehicle and it overturned.
“It is alleged that the vehicle was transporting construction workers at the time of the crash. Nine male workers were fatally injured in the crash.”
Nine people were killed and at least 14 others were injured, some seriously, when the bakkie they were travelling in veered out of control and rolled several times along the Ou Kaapse Weg in Steenberg in Cape Town in the early hours of Saturday morning. Photo: ER24
Madikizela said on Sunday: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of 10 construction workers who were killed on Saturday.
“My condolences and prayers go to the families of the victims during this difficult period.
“Preliminary investigation indicate that the driver of the Toyota Hilux LVD was transporting 23 contract workers from work to their places of residence when the overloaded vehicle lost control and overturned.
“It is reported that the breaks of the vehicle were ineffective at the time of the accident. I call on Law Enforcement agencies to fully investigate the cause of this accident. Information found on the cause of this crash must be used to improve road safety and avoid recurrence.”