Multiple stillborn and adult corpses left stranded in open trailer on Jozi highway

An open trailer filled with corpses was left stranded on the M1 highway on Wednesday. 42 bodies including 16 adults and 26 stillborns were being transported to  Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department confirmed that the trailer had been left stranded after it broke down. The trailer broke down on the M1 South, between the Smit and Carr on-ramp.

JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar told News24 that the trailer’s wheel had been dislodged.

“The driver did not have any documentation proving that they are a registered mortuary, or any hospital documentation to move the bodies. We will investigate the reason why the 42 coffins were being transported together,” Minnaar said.

Officers were directing traffic from the scene but many drivers were left shaken by the sight. Mayoral Council for Public Safety member Michael Sun, said the entire situation did not show respect for the deceased or their families.

“We call upon the provincial department of health to conduct a full investigation and also [the] South Africa[n] Police Service to further investigate to ensure there is no foul play,” Sun said.

The Gauteng Department of Health also stepped up to say they will investigate why an open trailer was being used to transport the corpses.

“We can confirm that a trailer carrying 42 bodies to Olifantsvlei cemetery for paupers burials lost one of its wheels on M1 highway. The Department is going to investigate why the private undertaker used an open trailer to transport the bodies.”

You can see other pictures from the incident in the tweet below.

We can confirm that a trailer carrying 42 bodies to Olifantsvlei cemetery for paupers burials lost one of its wheels on M1 highway. The Department is going to investigate why the private undertaker used an open trailer to transport the bodies. pic.twitter.com/UKpNlnDwB4

— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) November 15, 2017