A scene of the deadly accident involving a minibus taxi and an SUV in the Eastern Cape.
A HORRIFIC head-on collision leaves Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha in shock.
This after a Toyota Quantum and SUV collided between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg on Monday, 16 December, claiming 14 lives.
Nqatha said the cause of the crash remains unknown and is under investigation.
He sent his condolences to the grieving families and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.
He said: “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic passing of these passengers and as a province, we’re gravely concerned about the rising number of deaths on our roads. I urge all motorists to be patient with one another and to drive cautiously, especially as traffic the volume is expected to increase during this time of the year.”
Nqatha cautioned motorists to be vigilant on the roads this festive season.
Transport spokesman Unathi Bhinqose said a total of 13 people were confirmed to have died on the scene.
“An SUV with six occupants and a fully loaded minibus taxi from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape collided head-on. All six occupants of the SUV died on the scene, along with seven occupants from the minibus taxi,” he said.
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Bhinqose later said the number of fatalities rose to 14.
“Eleven individuals from the Quantum have been transported to the local hospital with injuries. It’s alleged that the Hyundai Creta was travelling from Middelburg to Graaff-Reinet, while the Quantum was headed in the opposite direction towards Middelburg when they collided head-on,” he said.
He said the cause of the crash is still unknown and is under ongoing investigation.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) also expressed sadness of the tragic loss.
Santaco president Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the dead.
“We’re deeply disturbed by the continued loss of life on our roads despite our intensified efforts to promote road safety. We urge all South Africans to prioritise safety above all else and to exercise extreme caution when travelling,” said Tsebe.
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