Shaka's Head crash victims' families struggle to cope

15 people died on the scene when the taxi they were travelling-in plunged off a bridge and onto a railway line before being struck by a train on Monday.  

A 16th person died in hospital yesterday. KwaZulu-Natal Transport authorities yesterday met with the families at the KwaDukuza Town Hall on the north coast.  

Joel Ntuli, who lost his niece Bongi Ngcobo says he works for Metrorail and heard about the accident at work. He says it was only later that he received a call from his sister to say they could not get a hold of Bongi.

''After work, I went to fetch my sister and we went to the scene but we couldn't get very close because the police had blocked the area. We only saw her later in the mortuary. She was a good person and worked hard like everyone to create a better life for herself,'' he said.

Sanelisiwe Ngcobo was also killed in the accident. Her brother-in-law, Lindani Ngcobo described her as a good person who was respected by the entire family.

''We are all so hurt, it's difficult to explain. It's hard to accept it - but we have to - we cant change the situation. I keep thinking she'll come back home but she wont. I haven't slept. I went to the mortuary thinking that when I saw her it would sink in but I still can't believe it,'' he said.

(Photo: Khatija Nxedlana)