A tragic head-on collision on the R67 between Seymour and Whittlesea in the Eastern Cape claimed the lives of three people in the early hours of Friday morning, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport has confirmed.
The crash occurred at approximately 1am and involved a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a sedan.
SUV bursts into flames
According to transport officials, the SUV, which was carrying three occupants, caught fire upon impact.
Two individuals trapped inside the SUV were unable to escape and died at the scene after the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
A 13-year-old boy, also travelling in the SUV, managed to escape the burning wreckage and was rushed to Frontier Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Authorities say he is currently receiving care.
Sedan driver dies
The driver of the sedan, who was alone in the vehicle, also sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
Law enforcement agencies have opened a case of culpable homicide, and investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing.
Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured boy a full recovery.
“This is a devastating reminder of the dangers that persist on our roads, particularly during late-night and early-morning travel. We are deeply saddened by the loss of three lives under such tragic circumstances, and our thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time,” he said.
“We urge all road users to exercise extreme caution, obey the rules of the road, and avoid risky behaviour that may endanger lives. No journey is worth a life.”
Brave young boy survives
Nqatha also acknowledged the young survivor’s actions.
“We also commend the bravery of the young boy who managed to escape the burning vehicle, and we wish him strength and a full recovery.”
The Department of Transport has reiterated its commitment to intensifying road safety operations across the province as part of ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities.
Limpopo fatalities
Meanwhile, approximately three lives have been lost on the roads of Limpopo since the Easter weekend began.
The N1 Road outside Polokwane, Limpopo, was closed after a collision that killed two people and injured one on Thursday afternoon.
And on Friday morning, one person was killed and two others injured in a head-on collision between two vehicles at Ga-Chuene, outside Lebowakgomo.
The crash involved a light bakkie and a security company minibus.
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- A head-on collision on the R67 between Seymour and Whittlesea in Eastern Cape claimed three lives early Friday morning, involving an SUV and a sedan.
- The SUV caught fire on impact, killing two occupants trapped inside, while a 13-year-old boy escaped and is receiving medical care.
- The sedan driver also died at the scene; authorities have opened a culpable homicide case and are investigating the cause.
- Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed condolences, praised the boy's bravery, and urged road users to prioritize safety.
- Separate road accidents in Limpopo since Easter weekend have resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries, prompting road closures and ongoing safety efforts.
