A dashcam video has captured the shocking moment a speeding minibus taxi crashed into stationary vehicles at a traffic light in Mitchells Plain, leading to the tragic death of a 39-year-old man whose vehicle caught fire.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 14:25 on Tuesday on the corner of Weltevreden Way and Highlands Drive.
The footage shows a white Toyota Quantum approaching the intersection at high speed before crashing into the rear of a blue Ford Figo waiting at a red traffic light. The impact forces the Figo into a white Toyota Avanza, while the taxi comes to rest across the intersection.
Moments later, flames engulf the Ford Figo as fuel spills onto the roadway, creating a dangerous trail of burning petrol. Firefighters were later seen battling the blaze and preventing the fire from spreading further.
According to the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, firefighters from Mitchells Plain and Gugulethu were immediately dispatched after receiving reports of a vehicle on fire.
“At approximately 14:25 on Tuesday, 7 July, the Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a motor vehicle alight,” Carelse said.
Despite emergency crews’ efforts, the driver of the Ford Figo died at the scene after becoming trapped inside the burning vehicle.
An adult woman and a young girl received medical treatment at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital. The taxi driver and one passenger also sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
Traffic Services spokesperson Nolusindiso Piyose confirmed that the collision resulted in one of the vehicles catching fire.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said a case of culpable homicide has been opened.
According to police, the blue Ford Figo and a white Toyota Avanza were stationary at a red traffic light on Highlands Drive when the Toyota Quantum collided with the vehicles from behind.
The force of the impact caused the Ford Figo to burst into flames, fatally trapping its 39-year-old driver inside.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is continuing.
The dashcam footage is likely to play an important role in the investigation, as it appears to show the taxi travelling at considerable speed before the devastating impact.
Authorities have once again urged motorists to obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances, and remain vigilant, particularly when approaching intersections where vehicles may be stationary.
Watch the dashcam footage below to see how the tragic collision unfolded:
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