A devastating head-on collision in Mpumalanga has left four people dead and several others seriously injured, casting a dark cloud of sorrow over the local community. The accident occurred on Sunday, 5 October 2025, along the N2 highway between Piet Retief and Pongola.
According to reports from provincial authorities, the horrific crash involved a light delivery vehicle and a sedan that collided head-on. The impact was so severe that emergency services were called immediately to the scene, but tragically, four people were declared dead on arrival.
Mpumalanga Community Safety spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, confirmed that three of the deceased were occupants of the sedan—two men and one woman, including the driver. The fourth victim was a pedestrian, a woman whose body was found near the wreckage of the light delivery vehicle. Authorities believe she may have been struck during the collision or while attempting to cross the road.
“The scene was extremely distressing,” said Mmusi. “All four victims were declared dead at the scene by paramedics due to the extent of their injuries.”
The driver of the light delivery vehicle and a child passenger sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a hospital in eMkhondo for urgent medical attention. Their condition was described as critical but stable.
Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the vehicles may have attempted to overtake on a curve, leading to the fatal head-on impact. However, police have not ruled out reckless or negligent driving as a contributing factor. Accident reconstruction experts and traffic officers are working to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Mmusi expressed deep concern about the growing number of fatal accidents on Mpumalanga’s major routes. “We are losing far too many lives on our roads due to carelessness and disregard for traffic regulations,” he said. “Motorists must remember that speeding, fatigue, and overtaking in unsafe conditions are major causes of deadly accidents.”
He further urged drivers to exercise patience and vigilance, especially on high-traffic routes such as the N2, where heavy vehicles and long-distance taxis often share the road with private motorists. “We appeal to all drivers to be cautious and considerate. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he added.
The provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the crash as “a tragic reminder of the fragility of life.” The department also announced that psychological support would be offered to the affected families and survivors of the accident.
Meanwhile, residents of the nearby communities have expressed shock and sadness following the incident. Many have called for stricter road safety enforcement and visible policing along the N2 corridor, which has been labeled a “high-risk zone” due to frequent collisions.
As investigations continue, authorities have reiterated their commitment to improving road safety awareness and ensuring that reckless drivers are held accountable. The loss of four lives in a single crash has once again highlighted the urgent need for responsible driving and stricter adherence to road rules in South Africa’s provinces.
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