An inquest has been opened into a fatal road crash that claimed the lives of 15 people in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The tragic incident occurred around midnight on Saturday along the R63 between Adelaide and Maqoma (Fort Beaufort), when a minibus taxi and a bakkie collided head-on. The minibus, a white Toyota Quantum, was travelling from Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) towards Cape Town, while the Isuzu Double Cab bakkie was heading in the opposite direction from Adelaide to Kwamaqoma.
The impact of the collision was devastating, leaving the driver of the bakkie and 13 passengers from the minibus taxi dead at the scene, including the driver of the taxi. Six other passengers from the taxi were rushed to the hospital, and one later died from their injuries, increasing the death toll to 15.
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport stated that both drivers involved in the accident had died, prompting the opening of an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The loss of so many lives in such a short time is a somber reminder of the dangers present on our roads,” said the department in a statement. Investigators will examine possible factors such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior to uncover the cause of the crash.
This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over road safety in the region, particularly involving minibus taxis, which remain a key form of transportation across South Africa despite frequent safety issues. The Eastern Cape, a province known for its rugged terrain and high accident rates, continues to grapple with road safety challenges, and this latest crash calls for renewed efforts to improve regulations and enforcement.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released as authorities await family notifications.