KwaZulu-Natal Accident Leaves 18 Schoolchildren Injured, Taxi Loses Control and Overturns on the N3

• A taxi carrying schoolchildren for their first day of the new term, overturned on the N3 near Durban
• 18 learners were injured in the accident before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, on Monday, 13 October 2025
• Paramedics found that the taxi lost control on the stretch of road and overturned, coming to a rest on its roof

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

KWAZULU-NATAL – Another devastating crash involving a taxi carrying school children has left 18 learners injured.

The taxi, which was taking learners to schools on the first day of the new term, overturned on the N3 near Durban. The accident occurred before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Monday, 13 October 2025, before 7 am.

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Learners rushed to hospitals following the taxi accident

Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, explained that paramedics arrived to find that the taxi had overturned and come to a rest on its roof. A triage system was set up, and more ambulances were brought in to help treat the numerous casualties.

“About 18 children sustained injuries ranging from moderate to severe and were stabilised before being transported to Durban hospitals,” Jamieson said.

Investigations are currently underway as to what caused the accident.

South Africans are frustrated by the news

Social media users voiced frustration at the news, noting that taxis were often involved in accidents.

Asha Nadar said:

"Bring back the buses, with uniform drivers. We travelled to school and work on public transport in our days. We were safe."

Louvain Schnuir stated:

"Look at the condition of the taxi. It’s the old type, which was supposed to be traded in long ago. Death trap taxis."

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Helen Murphy Walker added:

"These poor children and their parents. They must have been so frightened. Can you imagine being that parent who gets a call to say your child has been involved in an accident? The parents have no choice but to put their children in a taxi and pray that they get to their destination safely. Praying for their speedy recovery.🙏🏻"

Caroline Kirikos suggested:

"Schools must have their own transportation."

Monica Maritz exclaimed:

"Once again, innocent school children are involved. When are taxi owners going to be taken to task over these taxi accidents? These accidents are happening far too frequently. Here's wishing all the injured children a speedy recovery."

Anthony Bird stated:

"Looking at that photo, it is clear that the taxi is unroadworthy. The left rear side has lost its wheel, and the hub and the drum brake are exposed. This taxi was a death trap, thank God it's off the road now."

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Other accidents involving taxis in KZN

Briefly News reported that there have been numerous accidents this year involving taxis transporting schoolchildren.

• On 11 September 2025, five children were killed and eight were injured after a taxi ploughed into a creche in Pietermaritzburg.
• A day later, several schoolchildren were injured after a taxi accident in the same area in Imbali as the fatal crash.
• 21 learners were injured on 15 September after a taxi plunged off the Kwakheha Bridge in Impendle.

Source: Briefly News