A devastating road accident in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province left 12 people dead and several others severely injured on Saturday evening, marking one of the deadliest days on the province’s roads in recent memory.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 8 p.m. along the N2 highway near Dutywa, a town in Mbhashe Local Municipality. According to authorities, the accident involved a minibus taxi carrying 10 passengers and a bakkie—a South African term for a pickup truck—with four occupants.
Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the Provincial Transport Department, described the scene as “heartbreaking,” providing details of the casualties. “Three men in the bakkie died instantly, while a female passenger suffered serious injuries,” he reported.
The minibus taxi saw even greater devastation, with eight people—four men and four women—losing their lives on the spot. Two other passengers sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care. Tragically, one of the injured passengers succumbed to her injuries in hospital, pushing the death toll to 12.
This accident was part of a deadly day on Eastern Cape roads, where a total of 23 people died in four separate incidents. Earlier in the week, another collision on the N9 near Graaff-Reinet claimed 15 lives, further highlighting the dangers of the province’s roadways.
Authorities have since opened a culpable homicide case, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that driver error or reckless behavior could have contributed to the tragedy.
As the province grapples with the aftermath, officials are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution during the festive season, a time notorious for increased road accidents. “Drivers have a duty to be patient, cautious, and considerate of others on the road,” Binqose stated. “Avoiding head-on collisions requires vigilance and shared responsibility.”
Road safety advocates are also calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater public awareness campaigns to address the recurring loss of life on South Africa’s roads.
The Eastern Cape has consistently recorded some of the highest road fatality rates in the country, prompting calls for urgent interventions. Authorities stress that collaborative efforts between government, law enforcement, and the public are necessary to stem the tide of road tragedies.
As families mourn the lives lost, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by negligence and the need for heightened safety measures on the nation’s highways.