MASERU — A taxi driver died while 28 people were badly injured after two mini-buses collided head-on in Nazareth last Saturday. The deceased was identified as 33-year-old Eketsang Babeli of Ha Thetsane in Maseru. The 28 injured passengers were admitted at St Joseph’s Hospital in Roma and Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. Police spokesperson, Pheello Mphana, said a mini-bus which was coming from Mohale collided head-on with another one that was going to Thaba-Tseka. Mphana said it appeared that Babeli was speeding. He said he lost control of the mini-bus and collided with the other. The accident happened at a curve between Haralejoe and St Michael’s around 5:45pm, according to the police. “The high speed caused his death. “If he did not drive at a high speed, he could have saved his life,” said Mphana. “Driving at the normal speed could have enabled him to see the other mini-bus and an accident could have been avoided,” he added. The people in the mini-bus from Mohale were coming from a funeral while those in the other mini-bus were coming from the inauguration of Catholic Archbishop, Tlali Lerotholi. Babeli died after admission at Queen II. He had been admitted at St Joseph’s before he was rushed to Queen II. Unconfirmed reports say some people may have lost their limbs. Mphana said both mini-buses were severely damaged.
