Tragic Accident Involving Mortuary Vehicle Claims Two Lives in Springs

In a heartbreaking incident in Springs, Ekurhuleni, a mortuary vehicle transporting a deceased individual was involved in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of both the driver and a passenger. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers responded to the scene of the single-vehicle crash where they found the mortuary van crashed into a tree.

Upon arrival, EMPD officers discovered other emergency stakeholders already on the scene. A grim sight awaited them — the mortuary vehicle was severely damaged, and inside the vehicle, the driver was found burned beyond recognition. Shockingly, the van was transporting a corpse at the time of the accident.

Further inspection of the accident scene revealed another body lying outside the mortuary vehicle, next to a large fallen tree. This individual was identified as a passenger, believed to be a relative of the deceased being transported.

Preliminary reports allege that the mortuary vehicle had just collected the deceased’s body from a local hospital. On the way to the final destination, the passenger — a family member of the deceased — made a special request to the driver. The family wanted the vehicle to pass through the place where the deceased had passed away to perform a traditional ritual of “taking the spirit” or bidding farewell. This is a common practice in many South African communities, where honoring the spirit of the dead is considered vital for their peaceful journey to the afterlife.

It was during this detour that tragedy struck. While navigating the route, the driver reportedly lost control of the mortuary vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a tree. The impact of the collision was so severe that it resulted in a fire, leading to the driver being burned inside the vehicle.

Emergency medical services, including paramedics, were immediately called to the scene. Sadly, there was nothing they could do to save the victims. Both the driver and the passenger were declared dead on the scene. The passenger’s body was found outside the vehicle, indicating that he may have been ejected during the crash or tried to escape the burning vehicle.

The EMPD has launched an investigation into the exact cause of the accident. Early speculations point to the driver possibly losing control of the vehicle due to speeding, mechanical failure, or attempting to navigate unfamiliar terrain while fulfilling the family’s emotional request.

This tragic event has left the community in shock, as three lives were lost in a single incident — the deceased being transported, the driver, and the passenger. It is a somber reminder of how quickly a moment of cultural significance can turn into a devastating accident.

Authorities are urging mortuary vehicle drivers and families to exercise extreme caution during such emotionally charged moments. The investigation continues as the police work to determine the exact sequence of events that led to this unfortunate loss of life.