Four people have been killed and several others injured after a taxi overturned and crashed into a school building on Mpumuza Road in Pietermaritzburg on Monday evening.

The incident occurred at around 8:00 pm.

According to KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, the taxi lost control, veered off the road, and overturned before slamming into the structure.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Paramedics from KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service provided immediate medical assistance to the victims.

Tragically, four people were declared dead at the scene.

According to Craig Botha, from KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, two passengers were critically injured, while five others sustained serious injuries.

“Among those seriously hurt was an eight-year-old child, who was stabilised on-site before being transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment,”

“The scene was chaotic, with multiple patients requiring urgent attention. Our team worked quickly to stabilise and transport the injured,” said Botha.

He added that the identities of the deceased have not yet been released, as authorities are still working to notify their families.

“The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether mechanical failure, driver error, or road conditions played a role in the tragic accident,” added Botha.