Five killed as taxi overturns in Westonaria

Five people were killed and at least twelve others sustained moderate to serious injuries when a taxi overturned and rolled several times on the R28 in Westonaria, west of Johannesburg, on Saturday evening, paramedics said.

ER24 spokesman Werner Vermaak said that paramedics from ER24 and other services had arrived on the scene shortly before 6pm to find the taxi on the side of the road.

"All of its occupants were ejected from the vehicle. Paramedics found five people with fatal injuries. There was nothing that they could do for them and they were declared dead on the scene. At least 12 other occupants were treated for various injuries.

"The injured occupants were treated on the scene and rushed to nearby hospitals for further medical care," Vermaak said.

"The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet known. Local authorities attended the scene," he added.