Three children have been killed in an Imbali taxi accident after a minibus lost control and slammed into a daycare centre in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday morning, 11 September 2025. Officials say the driver allegedly lost control before veering off the road and into the creche.
Emergency services confirmed that nine other people, including children, were injured. Their injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to serious trauma.
What happened in Imbali
According to the KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, paramedics arrived to find a chaotic and emotional scene. Children were trapped inside the creche while others were lying injured on the ground.
“The accident is off the roadside, the emergency services are parked on the roadside, so there will be restrictions to traffic but the road hasn’t been blocked off. Paramedics are currently treating nine other patients who have sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious,” spokesperson Craig Botha explained.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Siboniso Duma, dispatched a team to assist families and assess the situation.
“I have assigned a team from my office and the department to visit the scene of the accident and the families of the affected children. We will provide more information after consultation with families and relevant healthcare professionals,” he said.
Police officers and private security have cordoned off the area as investigations into the cause of the crash get under way.
The KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“We commend the bravery and professionalism of our paramedics who worked under incredibly difficult circumstances,” Botha said.
Residents of Imbali township gathered near the crash site, many in tears, as the community tried to come to terms with the loss of young lives.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the driver or confirmed whether any charges will be laid. The focus remains on providing care to the injured and supporting the affected families.
Police say their forensic team will examine the vehicle and interview witnesses to determine what caused the minibus to leave the road.
