Durban — The taxi driver who was behind the wheel of the taxi that was a few feet away from the secondary crash on the R34 in Denny Dalton earlier this week has been applauded for his fast thinking and saving the lives of the people he was transporting.
Two people were injured in two separate accidents in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Monday morning.
KZN Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Robert McKenzie said a truck had overturned on the R66/R34 road near Ulundi.
“A subsequent second crash involving a truck which crashed into the scene has resulted in two people sustaining injuries,“ McKenzie said.
“Amazingly, there were no fatalities as a result of the collision, which left four vehicles burning. The circumstances resulting in the crashes will be investigated by police.”
The crash involved six vehicles, including four trucks.
Leading in giving thanks in a Facebook post, Thulani Emmanuel said that the taxi in Monday’s crash in Denny Dalton narrowly escaped the fire.
He attached a picture of the back of the taxi. He also attached a picture of taxi driver Themba Nhlengethwa and said “what he did, his fast thinking when he saw the fire, he was able to drive away from it”.
“He saved the lives of the people he was transporting. Thank you Themba Nhlengethwa, tears would be flowing right now.”
Addressing Nhlengethwa, Mahlase Ncence said: “You have done a lot for your community and families by saving their loved ones as well as saving your family from the pain that would have come from your departure. This is the bravery that you have shown ...”
Mpumei Senamile Mbeje saw God's grace in the near escape.
Dion Sandile Ross said Nhlengethwa deserves recognition from the Department of Transport, adding that sometimes speed saves lives.
Bhekizitha Slovas Mkhize said: “My hero … I was very worried about this taxi because I saw that it was directly related to the shadow of death, but your wisdom saved many families who would have been left with orphans …”
Sbonelo RS Shinga said: “I was just wondering about this taxi and where it ended up because it was in the back at the time of the fire and when he drove closer, there was a big fire. Thank you Themba for what you did to save the souls you were carrying.”
Daily News