Taxi and bakkie collision claims six lives in Tembisa

At least six people died when a taxi and a bakkie collided in Tembisa on the East Rand on Friday morning, Gauteng paramedics said.

Emergency services found the burning taxi lying on its roof, ER24 spokesman Werner Vermaak said.

"Fire fighters extinguished the fire when they arrived on scene.

"After further assessment, paramedics found what appeared to be six people, including a child, that burnt to death inside the taxi.

"Unfortunately it was extremely difficult for paramedics to identify the exact amount of bodies at the time," said Vermaak.

"One of the injured occupants stated that there might have been eight people still in the taxi, however this could not be confirmed on scene."

Paramedics found seven people with injuries a few metres away from the taxi.

"One of them was in a serious condition. It is believed that they managed to escape the burning taxi through the broken windows," he said.

"An emergency helicopter was called to the scene to airlift one of the injured from the scene. The woman that was airlifted sustained severe burn wounds and possible fractures."

The other injured people were also treated for burn wounds and possible fractures.

The incident happened before 5am on Olifantsfontein Road.

The driver of the Ford Ranger bakkie sustained moderate injuries and was also taken to hospital.

The cause of the accident was not known.