By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Six people were killed, and six others were seriously injured in a head-on collision on the R61 outside Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape on Saturday morning.
According to Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose, the crash occurred this morning, 24 October, when the two vehicles, travelling in opposite directions, collided head-on.
“The Toyota Quantum, which was carrying 16 occupants, was travelling from Beaufort West in the Western Cape towards Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape. The Scania articulated truck, driven by a male driver, was travelling in the opposite direction.
“Six female passengers in the minibus taxi died at the scene. Six other occupants sustained serious injuries and were transported to Graaff-Reinet Provincial Hospital for further medical treatment. The injured include an occupant of a Kia Rio, which was involved in a subsequent collision following the initial crash,” said Binqose.
“The drivers and occupants of the other vehicles involved in the subsequent collision escaped unharmed.”
“Fatigue is among the suspected contributing factors to the crash. However, the exact cause will be established through investigations by the relevant authorities,” Binqose added.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Aberdeen SAPS for further investigation. Nearly 11,500 people died in road accidents in 2025, according to the country’s Transport Ministry.