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IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
KZN Department of Transport confirms two fatalities in cliff car crash
Two people were killed when a vehicle went off a cliff in KwaSwayimane, outside Pietermaritzburg on Saturday. Their bodies were retrieved on Sunday. Image: KZN Department of Transport The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has confirmed that two people died when a car went off a cliff at KwaSwayimane, outside Pietermaritzburg on Saturday. The bodies of a woman and a Grade 12 pupil were retrieved from the wreckage on Sunday after an aerial search was conducted to find the vehicle. The department said MEC Siboniso Duma sent a team from his office to visit the Shabalala and Madlala families in Ward 13, KwaSwayimane, outside Pietermaritzburg. The bodies of a woman and a Grade 12 pupil were retrieved from the wreckage on Sunday after an aerial search was conducted to locate the vehicle. Image: KZN Department of Transport 'This follows the unfortunate tragic accident that claimed two lives. It is not clear what caused a vehicle driven by Mama Anastasia Shabalala to reverse and inadvertently fall off a cliff. We thank a local teacher Ms Mbali Msomi who alerted Traffic Ambassador, Ayanda Msweli. We acted immediately by calling for the helicopter rescue team and reinforcement. 'We are saddened by the death of Mama Shabalala and Lona Madlala, a Grade 12 learner. Both were in the car. Mama Shabalala, a single parent, received this car last year as a gift from her children. Sadly she left us on Women's Day,' Duma said. Duma said the Helicopter Rescue Team worked under very difficult conditions to retrieve their bodies from the wreckage located more than 800 metres down the cliff. 'We thank Reverend Xaba and our Ambassador, Pastor Vidima for being with the families. I have mandated my office to arrange social workers to provide professional counselling service to the families.' THE MERCURY
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Bodies of two women recovered after car plunges off cliff in KZN
The parent, a single mother, received the car last year as a gift from her children. Search and rescue officials have found the wreckage of a car that plunged down a cliff in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), claiming the lives of two women. It is not clear what caused the vehicle to reverse and inadvertently fall off a cliff in KwaSwayimane on Saturday. Tragedy KZN Department of Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said they are saddened by the tragic accident. 'I sent a team from my office to visit the Shabalala and Madlala families in Ward 3, KwaSwayimane, outside Pietermaritzburg. We are saddened by the death of Mama Shabalala and Ms Madlala, a Grade 12 pupil. Both were in the car. ALSO READ: Soccer star's 'special treatment' after deadly crash concerns grieving mom [VIDEO] 'Mama Shabalala, a single parent, received this car last year as a gift from her children. Sadly, she left us on Women's Day,' Duma said. Recovery Duma also thanked a local teacher who alerted Traffic Ambassador Ayanda Msweli about the accident. 'We acted immediately by calling for the helicopter rescue team and reinforcement. The Helicopter Rescue Team worked under very difficult conditions to retrieve their bodies from the wreckage located more than 800 meters down the cliff. 'We thank Rev Xaba and our Ambassador, Pastor Vidima, for being closer to the family. I have mandated my office to arrange social workers to provide professional counselling services to the families,' Duma said. Limpopo bus crash Meanwhile, four women were also killed on Women's Day in a tragic bus accident in Limpopo. The accident occurred late on Saturday evening, 09 August 2025, on the R81 road in Sekgopo, Mopani District. Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said they are deeply saddened by the deaths of the women. 'Preliminary reports indicate that the driver lost control of the bus, which subsequently overturned. Sadly, four women were declared deceased at the scene. Eight passengers sustained serious to moderate injuries, while 45 others, including the bus driver, suffered minor injuries.' Hospital Chuene said all injured passengers were swiftly transported to Kgapane Hospital, Mankweng Hospital, and Van Velden Hospital for urgent medical care. The exact cause of the accident is currently under investigation. NOW READ: 13 killed, scores injured in Mpumalanga and KZN accidents
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
3 people killed in Washington State climbing accident
NORTH EARLY WINTERS SPIRE, Wash. – Authorities said a tragedy befell a group of climbers who were scaling the North Early Winters Spire in Washington State over the weekend. Okanogan County Sheriff's Office and county search and rescue volunteers responded to an accident involving a climbing party of four on Sunday morning. According to the sheriff's office, the climbers fell while descending from a steep gully – a trench-like land formation caused by running water or mass movement. Terrified Hiker Holds Death Grip In Dramatic Nail-biting Cliffside Rescue In California Officials confirmed the deaths of three individuals at the scene of the accident. The fourth member was able to escape and call for help. A Helicopter Rescue Team was able to extract the deceased members from the climb. An investigation is under way, but officials said they presume the accident was caused by the failure of an anchor failure while the group was rappelling down the article source: 3 people killed in Washington State climbing accident
