Five people have died in a devastating road crash on the N6 in the Eastern Cape after a Volkswagen Polo collided head-on with a passenger bus late on Sunday night.
The accident occurred on the busy stretch of road between East London — recently renamed KuGompo City — and the town of Stutterheim.
Authorities say all five occupants of the VW Polo were killed in the collision.
Car Trapped Beneath Bus
According to Eastern Cape transport spokesperson Makhaya Komisa, the two vehicles were travelling in opposite directions at the time of the crash.
“The bus carrying 66 Zimbabwean nationals was travelling towards Stutterheim when it collided with a VW Polo,” Komisa said.
The impact of the collision was so severe that the VW Polo became lodged underneath the bus.
Emergency responders had to use specialised rescue equipment to recover the victims from the wreckage.
“Jaws of life were used to extricate the deceased from the VW Polo,” Komisa confirmed.
Dozens Injured in the Crash
The bus was transporting 66 passengers at the time of the incident.
While most passengers sustained minor injuries, one passenger was reported to have suffered serious injuries and required medical attention.
Emergency services attended the scene and transported injured passengers to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Komisa said the exact cause of the collision remains unclear and will be determined through further investigation.
Police have opened a case of culpable homicide and reckless driving at South African Police Service in Stutterheim.
Investigators are expected to examine road conditions, vehicle speeds and possible driver error as part of the probe.
MEC Expresses Condolences
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed sadness over the tragic incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Nqatha also urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road safety regulations.
The N6 is a major transport route connecting several towns in the Eastern Cape and has seen a number of serious accidents in recent years, prompting ongoing calls for improved road safety and responsible driving.
As investigations continue, authorities are appealing to drivers to remain vigilant and follow traffic laws to help prevent further tragedies on South Africa’s roads.
