Pic: (The horrific scene at Klerksdorp accident on N12)

Klerksdorp – Fourteen people died and seven were injured when two taxis collided on the N12 outside Klerksdorp, North West, the public safety department said on Monday.

Thirteen people, including eight children, died on the scene on Sunday evening, and another died in hospital on Monday, said department spokesman Ben Bole.

Both drivers died in the crash. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital.

The accident happened when the driver of a Toyota Quantum travelling from Klerksdorp to Wolmaransstad apparently tried to overtake four cars at once.

North West public safety MEC Nono Maloyi urged motorists to exercise patience and to comply with traffic laws.

“Overtaking in an unsafe area is regarded as negligent driving and this leads to accidents. Losing 14 at once is too much and we are not going to allow that,” he said.

Maloyi said reckless drivers would be dealt with. He also advised drivers to keep their lights on, especially when it rained.

He sent condolences to the families and friends of those who died.

Sapa