Six killed in head-on crash on Eastern Cape's N2

A head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a truck on the N2 highway in the Eastern Cape resulted in six fatalities on Saturday. The Toyota Quantum, believed to be carrying university students heading home, crossed into the path of an oncoming Mercedes-Benz truck near Mount Ayliff at about 7am. Provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed that five men and a woman died in the crash, while three people were seriously injured and three others had minor injuries.

This incident marks the second deadly multi-victim crash on the Eastern Cape's N2 in less than 24 hours. On Friday, seven people, including a five-year-old boy, were killed in a collision near Ndabakazi. According to Binqose, preliminary information suggests that the Toyota Quantum crossed into the path of the oncoming truck, resulting in the head-on collision. Driver fatigue is suspected to have contributed to the crash, but the exact circumstances remain subject to police investigation.

Emergency services attended to the injured before taking them away for treatment. The identities of the dead, and whether they were students, have not yet been formally confirmed. Binqose noted that drunk driving and poor visibility caused by mist were believed to have played a part in Friday's crash, which involved a Suzuki seven-seater and a Toyota Corolla.

The two crashes have claimed 13 lives in less than two days. The recent incidents highlight the ongoing road safety concerns in the region. Last month, six women were killed when a Toyota Quantum carrying 16 passengers from Beaufort West collided with a truck on the R61 outside Aberdeen. Fatigue was again among the suspected causes of that crash.

In another recent incident, six people died when a truck carrying about 30 passengers to a traditional ceremony in the Port St Johns area overturned near Bizana. The series of deadly crashes has raised concerns about road safety and the need for increased vigilance on the region's highways.

According to Binqose, the Eastern Cape's transport department is working to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents on the province's highways. The department is urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The investigation into Saturday's crash is ongoing, with police working to determine the exact cause of the incident. The community is in shock, and authorities are working to provide support to the families of the victims. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to take responsibility for their actions on the road.

Key points

• Driver fatigue is suspected to have contributed to the crash.
• The two crashes have claimed 13 lives in less than two days.
• The incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in the region.