A devastating road accident in South Africa’s Eastern Cape has left 15 people dead and several others injured. The tragic event occurred late Saturday night on the R63 road between Adelaide and Maqoma, previously known as Fort Beaufort.
According to a statement released by the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the deadly crash happened just before midnight. A fully loaded minibus taxi and a double cab bakkie collided head-on, resulting in one of the worst road accidents in the province in recent months.
Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed the details of the accident. “It is alleged that a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi, traveling from Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) towards Cape Town, collided head-on with an Isuzu double cab bakkie that was en route from Adelaide to Kwamaqoma,” said Binqose.
The impact of the collision was catastrophic. The driver of the bakkie died instantly at the scene. The taxi, which was carrying multiple passengers, suffered even more devastating losses. Thirteen passengers inside the minibus, along with the driver, were declared dead at the scene. Emergency services responded swiftly, rushing six critically injured passengers from the taxi to the Provincial Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Sadly, one of the injured later succumbed to their injuries upon arrival at the hospital, bringing the death toll to 15. The other five injured passengers continue to receive medical treatment.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the province and the nation. Local authorities have opened an inquest docket as investigations into the cause of the crash begin. Although the exact circumstances remain under investigation, the horrific nature of the collision has once again raised concerns about road safety, especially during nighttime travel.
This accident highlights the ongoing challenges facing South African roads, including reckless driving, poor visibility at night, and overloaded vehicles. With the Eastern Cape known for its winding rural roads and frequent long-distance travel, residents and authorities alike are calling for renewed efforts to improve safety.
Transport officials and emergency services have extended their condolences to the families of the deceased and are urging all road users to exercise extreme caution, especially during night travel. The Department of Transport has also committed to working closely with law enforcement to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement any necessary preventative measures going forward.
As the community mourns the loss of 15 lives, the tragic event stands as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving. The Eastern Cape government is expected to release more details as the investigation progresses.