Crash: Death toll rises
2003-10-25 10:59
Umtata - The death toll in the truck accident in Mount Frere near Umtata had risen to 12 by Saturday, with 27 people injured, the Eastern Cape transport department said.
The accident occurred when a truck travelling from Umtata collided with 12 stationary vehicles on Main Street.
Spokesperson Tshepo Machaea said one person died in hospital overnight.
Machaea said his department and police were on their way to the mortuary on Saturday to establish if any of the bodies were missing body parts, after a hand belonging to a three-year-old child and fingers were found near the accident scene on Friday night.
It was alleged that the driver of the truck had lost control of the vehicle after the brakes failed. He was arrested and has been charged with homicide.
The victims were admitted to various local hospitals.
- SAPA