The Apostolic Administrator of Eshowe Diocese has expressed condolences and asked for prayers following a tragic accident on Sunday, August 18 that left several pilgrims injured and one deceased.

According to Cardinal Wilfrid Napier OFM, two taxis travelling from Fatima to Nkandla were “involved in an accident avoiding a beast on the road.”

“The two taxis by all accounts were speeding to Nkandla, so much so that when the leading one took evasive action to avoid hitting a beast in the road the following one hit the first causing it to spin around, roll over a couple of times before landing on its wheels,” said Cardinal Napier OFM in a message shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Communication office.

In the message the Archbishop Emeritus of Durban Metropolitan Archdiocese confirms that one woman succumbed to injuries whilst being transported to hospital. Over 3000 pilgrims gathered in Fatima, Eshowe Diocese for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrated by Cardinal Napier and Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM of Kokstad Diocese.

He said, “The deceased appears to have been thrown out and severely injured. While still alive when put in the ambulance, she did not make it to hospital! May the Lord have mercy & bring healing & comfort to her family and all affected!”

“We are awaiting further information from the two priests who will be visiting the injured in hospital this morning,” he added.

In the meantime, Cardinal Napier asks for prayers “for the deceased, the injured & their Families.”