A case of culpable homicide is under investigation after seven people died and 10 were injured during a collision between a truck and a taxi in Melkbosstrand on Tuesday morning.
The horrific accident happened at the corner of the R27 and Birkenhead Drive shortly before 9am.
The deceased includes the truck driver and six passengers in the taxi, which was believed to have been travelling from Du Noon.
The injured people were transported to Groote Schuur, Tygerberg, New Somerset and Wesfleur hospitals where they were treated for injuries.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk says: “A culpable homicide case was opened for investigation.
“According to reports, the taxi was turning into Birkenhead Avenue from the R27 at the traffic lights, when the truck was approaching from the direction of Atlantis.
“The two vehicles collided, causing both to roll off the embankment.”
According to Maxine Bezuidenhout, spokesperson for Traffic Services, the road was closed for most parts of the day and the cause of the accident was investigated by the police.
ER24 spokesperson Russell Meiring said when health and safety services arrived on the scene, they found the truck and taxi on the sides of the busy road.
“On assessment, medics found that seven people, some still trapped inside the taxi, had sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
“Nothing could be done for them, and they were declared dead.
“Ten other patients were assessed and found to have sustained critical to minor injuries.”
Meiring said a critically injured patient was airlifted to the hospital by the AMS Medical helicopter.