A tragic series of road accidents across South Africa marred the Christmas holiday, leaving a trail of devastation and highlighting the ongoing dangers on the nation's roads. Two women lost their lives in a three-vehicle pile-up, while a truck carrying explosives ignited in a separate incident, and several other serious crashes were reported across the country.
The most devastating incident occurred on Christmas Eve near Gonubie Farmer's Hall in East London. A Toyota Corolla carrying five people – a man, three women, and a child – collided with a fully loaded minibus taxi and a Toyota SUV. The consequences were heartbreaking.
“Two women from the Corolla died at the scene, while the minibus taxi occupants escaped unscathed,” confirmed provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. The SUV driver sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital. The impact of this accident on the families involved is immeasurable, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous celebration.
Mr Binqose offered condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those families spending their Christmas in mourning, having just buried or preparing to lay their loved ones to rest. The latest accident adds to the pain of the multitude of families across the province.”
Eastern Cape transport MEC Xolile Nqatha echoed this sentiment, urging drivers to exercise greater caution on the roads. “MEC Nqatha calls on drivers to be extra vigilant and cautious to avoid accidents that have claimed so many lives,” Mr Binqose relayed.
Meanwhile, a separate incident unfolded on the N1 highway, approximately 10 kilometres north of Kroonstad in the Free State. A truck carrying explosives caught fire, creating a dangerous and chaotic scene. The incident involved multiple light motor vehicles, resulting in a significant disruption to traffic flow.
Free State Emergency Services spokesperson Sipho Towa provided details of the incident, stating: “A truck carrying explosives is on fire on the N1 – 10 km north of Kroonstad. Three people have sustained minor injuries, and there are also multiple light motor vehicles involved. Fire services and other emergency services are on the scene and everyone has been evacuated to make sure the explosives are extinguished properly.”
Truck Carrying Explosives Catches Fire on N1 Highway Near Kroonstad https://t.co/Aavqx2s5CU #ArriveAlive #DangerousGoods @fs_health pic.twitter.com/Wf4uzH7gfp
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 25, 2024
Traffic diversions were implemented to manage the situation and ensure the safety of motorists. The R721 Vredefort route was used to divert traffic from Kroonstad, while those travelling from Koppies were redirected to the R82 Rooiwal, Heuningspruit route.
Adding to the grim tally of accidents, KwaZulu-Natal also experienced a spate of serious crashes on Christmas Day. At least three incidents were reported, all involving single vehicles. ALS Paramedics responded to a series of accidents throughout the day, attending to drivers who sustained critical and serious injuries. In each case, the drivers were stabilised at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment. All three accidents are under police investigation.
Further west, in the Western Cape, a fatal collision occurred on the N1 Highway near Worcester. A red Kia Picanto collided with a delivery truck, resulting in a tragic outcome.
Police spokesperson W/O Joseph Swartbooi detailed the incident: “According to reports the occupants of a red Kia Picanto were travelling on the N1 Highway in the direction of Worcester when their vehicle collided with a delivery truck at about 10.45am travelling in the opposite direction towards Cape Town. The Kia Picanto caught fire and the driver was burnt beyond recognition while the driver of the delivery vehicle managed to escape serious injuries.”
A case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation. Western Cape provincial mobility spokesperson Muneera Allie confirmed the incident, stating: “We confirm an incident on the N1 in the area known as Florence, Du Toitskloof, close to Goudini, at about 10.45am today where a vehicle and truck were involved in a head-on collision. One fatality is confirmed and one person sustained minor injuries. All services are currently at the scene.”
The N1 was closed for much of the day but reopened later that evening.
