EASTERN CAPE – Nine people have tragically lost their lives in a devastating three-vehicle collision on the R61 between Ngcobo and Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday morning, casting a pall over New Year's Eve celebrations. The accident, involving a minibus taxi, a Toyota Avanza, and a GWM bakkie, occurred near Beyele Village around 10:00, according to provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose.
The minibus taxi, carrying 16 occupants, was travelling from Ngcobo towards surrounding rural areas, while the Toyota Avanza, with four occupants, was heading from Cofimvaba. The two vehicles collided head-on, resulting in the immediate deaths of all four occupants of the Avanza and five occupants of the taxi.
"All four occupants of the Toyota Avanza and five occupants of the minibus taxi were declared dead at the scene by emergency medical services," Binqose confirmed.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, who was among the first responders, described the scene as one of "chaos and carnage."
"Paramedics arrived on scene to find chaos and carnage as they found that Two bakkies and a Taxi had collided leaving multiple Fatalities and casualties. Immediately a Triage was set up by EMS Eastern Cape," he stated.
Jamieson added that "Some patients were rushed to nearby Hospitals and Clinics by Private vehicles for urgent care that they required. Ambulances and Rescue Services worked to free the entrapped casualties before transporting critically injured patients to nearby Hospitals. Unfortunately Seven people (Six Females and 1 Male) passed away due to their injuries sustained."
Eight other people sustained injuries and were transported to All Saints Hospital in Ngcobo for treatment. A third vehicle, the GWM bakkie, was also involved in the crash, sustaining damage, but fortunately, its occupants escaped without injury.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, urging road users to exercise extreme caution.
"I want to wish those hospitalised a speedy recovery. Let’s work together to avoid road carnage. These calamities can be avoided and can be stopped. Let’s act responsibly, and let’s take responsibility with every action we engage in," Mabuyane said.
Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha echoed these sentiments, expressing deep sadness that the crash occurred as families were preparing to welcome the New Year.
"What makes this crash even more painful is that it happened on a day meant for hope and renewal as we prepare to welcome the New Year," Nqatha lamented. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. We urge all road users to remain extra vigilant and cautious, especially during this busy festive period."
The road was closed for several hours as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, and a case of culpable homicide will be opened at Ngcobo SAPS for further investigation.
"The cause of the crash is still unknown at this stage and remains under investigation by the relevant authorities. A case of culpable homicide will be opened at Ngcobo SAPS for further investigation," Binqose confirmed. "The Eastern Cape Department of Transport and traffic authorities extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery."
This devastating incident marks the deadliest road crash in the province on the last day of 2025, highlighting the urgent need for increased road safety awareness and responsible driving, particularly during the busy festive season.
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