A taxi crash on the N2 road between Peddie and Makhanda resulted in five fatalities and several injuries early Saturday morning.
N2 taxi crash near Peddie: Here’s what we know
In the dim light of early Saturday morning, a fully loaded minibus taxi en route to Peddie encountered an unexpected obstacle: a heavy-duty truck, stationary and laden with cement bags.
The taxi, filled with passengers, attempted a last-minute swerve to avoid a direct hit but ended up side-swiping the truck.
The collision was fatal for five passengers, including two children, one man, and two women, who died at the scene.
The remaining 12 passengers suffered mostly minor injuries and were promptly taken to Settlers Hospital for treatment.
Remarkably, the truck driver emerged without a scratch, while the taxi driver was among those injured.
Authorities have opened a case of culpable homicide to delve into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
This accident adds to the grim toll of road accidents in the region, following closely on the heels of a devastating bus crash near Mokopane that claimed 45 lives.
This taxi crash occurs amidst a sombre backdrop of recent road accidents, including a catastrophic bus accident on the R518 near Mokopane, Limpopo.
That earlier incident, which resulted in the death of 45 individuals as a bus travelling from Botswana to Moria, has been marked as one of the deadliest on South African roads, particularly during the Easter long weekend.
This period is noted for increased traffic and accidents, prompting calls from officials for heightened vigilance and responsible driving.
In the wake of these tragedies, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has extended condolences to the families affected by the recent accidents.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” Minister Chikunga said.
