19 killed in South African minibus crash

At least 19 people were killed when a minibus taxi burst into flames after colliding with a truck in South Africa on Sunday, local media reported.

Four others were critically injured in the crash near Westonaria in Gauteng province, News24 said.

“The taxi apparently rolled multiple times and burst into flames,\" said paramedic Chitra Bodasing.

The ubiquitous minibus taxis are frequently involved in accidents on South Africa\'s deadly roads.

During the upcoming Christmas holiday season it is estimated that as many as 1,300 people could die in vehicle accidents -- about the same number killed over the same period last year.

Caption : South Africans walk to minibus taxis at the Bree taxi rank on June 4, 2009