By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
The Eastern Cape authorities have confirmed that three people have been killed and five others injured in a horrific crash outside Qonce.
Fullview understands that three vehicles collided on the R62 near Debe Nek towards Alice.
Provincial Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, said the crash occurred on Tuesday afternoon, involving two bakkies and a car.
Binqose said, three men in one of the bakkies carrying livestock perished in the accident.
He added that four injured occupants from a Fidelity security bakkie and two occupants from a Toyota Corolla sustained various injuries and were transported to Grey Hospital in eQonce for further medical treatment.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, and a case of culpable homicide was opened by the local SAPS.
Binqose has conveyed the department’s condolences to the families of those who died in the accident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Meanwhile Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy highlighted efforts towards the goal of halving road deaths by 2030, but warned that without addressing root causes like reckless behaviour, the progress could stall.
Human factors remain the biggest culprit, responsible for over 80 percent of crashes. Speeding and alcohol top the list, often leading to devastating outcomes for families left behind.