By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The death toll in Sunday’s head on collision between Toyota Fortuner and Ford Kuga on the N2, Idutywa, Butterworth has risen to eight.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport the crash occurred on the N2 between Dutywa and Mthatha on New Year’s Eve.
Spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, said all five passengers in the one vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene while one more person in the second vehicle sustained fatal injuries.
He says the Fortuner had six occupants of which one died, while all five people in the Kuga died on the scene.
Binqose says two more passengers in the Fortuner have since died.
He says both drivers are among the deceased.
Three men, injured in the Fortuner were taken to hospital in Butterworth.
The deceased were six men and two women. No names have released.
Police will be investigating further.
The latest crash comes just days after Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga joined the province’s Transport member of the executive council (MEC) in traffic law enforcement operation.
The pair, along with traffic officers checked the fitness of drivers, reckless and negligent driving, drunk drivers, and roadworthiness of vehicles on the N2, Mthatha.
The department said more than 4,160 motorists have been arrested for drunken driving while others have been detained for producing false documents and driving public transport without valid documents.