A tragic road accident on the R26 in the Free State has left three people dead and twelve others injured, marking the second major fatal crash reported in the province this weekend. The collision happened early on Sunday morning, 16 November 2025, roughly 4 km before Van Standensrus near the town of Zastron.
According to authorities, the accident involved a minibus taxi and a light motor vehicle that collided head-on. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at around 05:30, where they found both vehicles extensively damaged. Paramedics immediately assessed the injured, with twelve patients requiring urgent medical attention. The survivors were transported to Embekweni Hospital in Zastron for further treatment.
The severity of the crash prompted officials to partially close the R26 to allow rescue and recovery operations to proceed safely. Motorists travelling between Zastron and Van Standensrus were urged to drive cautiously, expect delays, and use alternative routes where possible. Authorities have also appealed to drivers to exercise patience as investigations continue to determine the cause of the collision.
This fatal incident comes shortly after another deadly crash in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting a worrying trend of severe road accidents across the country. On Friday night, 14 November 2025, a family of five was killed on the N2 near Umzumbe on the KZN south coast. Authorities reported that a Suzuki light motor vehicle and a seven-seater minibus collided head-on near the Umzumbe River bridge. The victims included three children aged between 3 and 5, along with two adults believed to be their parents, who all died instantly.
Further highlighting the ongoing road safety challenges in South Africa, Gauteng recorded a major multi-vehicle accident earlier this year. On 28 August 2025, a truck lost control on Hendrick Potgieter Road in Krugersdorp and ploughed into another truck, triggering a massive pile-up involving 18 vehicles. Although 17 people were injured, authorities confirmed that no fatalities occurred in that incident. The road had to be closed for several hours while emergency teams worked tirelessly to clear the wreckage.
Another devastating crash took place on 29 October 2025 in Johannesburg. A collision on Comaro Road, between Tarentaal Avenue and Pieter Acryod Avenue, claimed the lives of seven people. The crash, involving a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a bakkie, resulted in multiple injuries and forced authorities to close off the road in both directions. Traffic was diverted through Pieter Acryod Avenue and Soetdoring Avenue while emergency responders attended to the scene.
School transportation safety also came under scrutiny in August when 19 children were injured in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal. The accident occurred on 26 August 2025 after a taxi driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the wall of a nearby building. The children, aged between four and twelve, sustained varying injuries. Community members and paramedics acted swiftly to assist, ensuring the children received immediate medical care.
As investigations into the R26 collision continue, authorities are urging South Africans to prioritise road safety. With multiple fatalities reported across provinces in recent months, officials emphasise the need for responsible driving, vehicle maintenance, and heightened caution—especially during peak travel periods.
The Free State crash adds to a string of heartbreaking incidents that have left families shattered and communities mourning. Emergency services continue to appeal for vigilance and adherence to road rules as efforts to curb preventable accidents remain a national priority.
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