Graaff-Reinet – Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha is deeply shaken following a horrific head-on collision between a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a Hyundai Creta SUV on the N9 outside Graaff-Reinet on Monday, 16 December. The devastating accident claimed the lives of 14 people, including all six occupants of the SUV – believed to be members of the same family.
The collision, which occurred approximately 30 kilometres from Graaff-Reinet in the early hours of the morning, left emergency services personnel facing a chaotic scene. Transport spokesman Unathi Bhinqose initially reported 13 fatalities, stating: "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.”
However, this figure was later revised upwards to 14, with one additional victim succumbing to their injuries. The death toll may yet rise further, as eleven individuals from the minibus taxi sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital, with some reportedly in critical condition.
The precise cause of the collision remains under investigation.
MEC Nqatha expressed his profound sadness, stating: “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 volume is expected to increase during this time of the year.”
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery. He also cautioned motorists to remain vigilant on the roads throughout the festive season.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) also expressed its deep sorrow at the loss of life. Santaco president Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, stating: "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."
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson, Simon Zwane, echoed these concerns, highlighting the accident as a significant setback to their road safety initiatives. He urged motorists to exercise caution and manage fatigue effectively, stating: "We want to call on motorists to exercise caution on the roads and people to better manage fatigue because we know that exhaustion, both physical and mental exhaustion, affects a driver's judgement."
The high number of fatalities underscores the severity of the impact and the urgent need for improved road safety measures. The accident occurred against a backdrop of anticipated heavy traffic between the Western Cape and Eastern Cape over the long weekend, with over 500 minibus taxis expected to make daily trips between the two provinces. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road travel, especially during peak periods.
In a separate, yet equally tragic incident on Sunday night, a head-on collision between a van and a sedan on the R61 near Bizana claimed three more lives.
The department reported: "A sedan with two male occupants, collided head-on with a van with three occupants, two females and a male driver. The two male occupants of the sedan, along with a female passenger from the van, all died on the scene. The two other occupants of the van, including the driver, were rushed to hospital with serious injuries."
