Six Dead in Horrific R26 Collision Near Fouriesburg
A devastating road accident on the R26 outside Fouriesburg on Saturday night, 3 January, claimed the lives of six people. The tragedy, involving a sedan and a minibus taxi, has once again highlighted concerns about road safety in the region.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring detailed the horrific scene. According to reports, a white Kia sedan, bearing Free State registration plates, was travelling from Mashaeng Kasi towards Fouriesburg. The 21-year-old driver allegedly failed to stop at an intersection, resulting in a severe T-bone collision with a white Mercedes-Benz 22-seater minibus taxi. The taxi, registered in Gauteng, was en route from Ficksburg to Tshwane.
"Emergency services and law enforcement officials worked throughout the night to manage the scene and provide assistance to the injured," said Warrant Officer Mophiring. The Kia sedan was carrying five occupants. Tragically, three of them were declared dead at the scene, while the remaining two sustained serious injuries and were immediately transported to hospital for urgent medical attention.
The minibus taxi was carrying 22 occupants, including the driver. The driver and two passengers succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The remaining 19 occupants sustained injuries of varying degrees and were transported to hospitals in Bethlehem and Bohlokong for medical treatment.
Warrant Officer Mophiring confirmed that the names of the victims and those injured will not be released until their next of kin have been formally notified and the necessary identification processes are complete.
A case of culpable homicide has been registered for investigation at the Fouriesburg police station. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
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