Tragedy struck Pinetown, South Africa on Thursday evening, when a speeding truck driver plowed through a green light and took out numerous cars that were making their way across the intersection. Now that the dust has finally settled, 22 people are believed to be dead as a result of the accident.

The driver, whose truck owner's license had expired, was driving a very large truck that was carrying goods from the Taiwanese Evergreen shipping company. When it went through the intersection, it took out several cars along with four minibus taxis, which was a factor in the death count being as high as it was.

"[It's] a total disaster here. [A] heavy-goods truck came down through Fields Hill and collided with two cars on the M13 and then four taxis and another car. Seven critical, eight serious injuries and miraculously, 11 escaped with relatively minor injuries," said Netcare911 spokesperson Chris Botha.

It was originally reported that upwards of 27 people had died in the crash, though that number is now believed to be 22. Nineteen individuals died at the scene, while another three died after arriving at the hospital.

"The loss of such a high number of people, some of them breadwinners is painful and has affected so many households negatively. We urge road users especially drivers to exercise caution on the roads especially when carrying passengers. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased and wish those in hospital a speedy recovery," read a statement by President Jeff Radebe.

It is still uncertain exactly what happened that caused such a gruesome crash. Some officials have theorized that brake failure was the cause of the accident, but that has not stopped the police from charging the driver with culpable homicide.

"Our message from government is that we should leave no stone unturned in ensuring those who are guilty of causing such pain must be dealt with, with the full might of the law," said Radebe.