A deadly road accident in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has left five people dead and dozens injured after a bus carrying foreign nationals collided head-on with a passenger vehicle.
VW Polo crushed beneath bus in deadly N6 crash
The crash occurred on 8th of March Sunday night along the N6 highway between KuGompo, near East London, and the town of Stutterheim. Authorities confirmed that the collision involved a Volkswagen Polo and a bus transporting Zimbabwean passengers.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the bus was carrying 60 Zimbabwean nationals and was travelling toward Stutterheim at the time of the accident.
Department spokesperson Makhaya Khomisa said the two vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when the head-on collision occurred.
The impact was severe, leaving the VW Polo trapped beneath the front section of the bus. All five occupants inside the car were killed in the crash.
Emergency rescue teams were deployed to the scene and used hydraulic extraction equipment, commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life,” to remove the victims from the wreckage of the vehicle.
Passengers on the bus sustained injuries during the crash and were transported to nearby hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment.
Authorities said the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Police have opened a case of culpable homicide and reckless driving at Stutterheim police station, and multiple law enforcement agencies are expected to participate in the investigation.
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the crash.
In a statement, Nqatha also wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery and urged motorists to obey traffic laws and exercise caution on the roads.
Recent accidents raise renewed concerns about road safety in Eastern Cape
Road safety has become an increasing concern in the province following a number of serious accidents in recent months.
Last month, another fatal crash claimed seven lives, including that of a minor, in an incident that occurred on the N2 highway near Bhisho/Bulembu Airport outside the city of Qonce.
Authorities said seven people were declared dead at the scene, while two additional occupants were transported to Grey Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary reports suggested that a bakkie carrying six passengers collided with the side of a smaller vehicle before crashing into a second bakkie.
Provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed that a case of culpable homicide was opened following that incident as well.
Road accidents remain a major public safety challenge in South Africa, particularly on long-distance highways connecting rural towns and urban centres.
Officials continue to urge drivers to comply with speed limits and road regulations as authorities work to reduce the number of fatal crashes on the country’s roads.
