A devastating head-on collision on the M17 in Gqeberha has claimed seven lives, pushing the Eastern Cape’s Easter road death toll beyond 15 and renewing calls for stricter road safety during the holiday period.
The fatal crash took place at around 3pm on Sunday between KwaZakhele and Motherwell.
Authorities confirmed that a Renault Triber carrying seven occupants collided head-on with a Fuso manganese truck travelling in the opposite direction.
All seven passengers in the Triber — three men and four women — were declared dead at the scene by emergency services.
The truck driver survived and was treated for severe shock.
Reckless overtaking suspected
According to Eastern Cape transport officials, preliminary evidence suggests that a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre may have caused the crash.
Spokesperson Unathi Binqose said dashcam footage from the truck appears to show the Triber driver attempting to overtake while another vehicle was already overtaking.
The M17’s three-lane configuration leaves very limited room for driver error.
A culpable homicide case has since been opened at Swartkops SAPS.
Easter death toll continues rising
The incident is now the deadliest single crash recorded in the province during the Easter travel period.
Officials said earlier crashes had already claimed eight lives before Sunday’s tragedy, taking the provincial death toll to more than 15.
Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha urged motorists to remain patient and drive responsibly.
Source: Eastern Cape Transport Department, SAPS, EWN, The Citizen
