Thirteen dead in 24 hours as horror crashes plague Eastern Cape N2

A head-on collision between a Toyota Quantum and a truck on the N2 near EmaXesibeni on Saturday morning claimed the lives of six people, believed to be university students, bringing the 24-hour death toll along the N2 to 13. The accident occurred at approximately 7am, with the minibus taxi travelling from Dikeni towards Mbizana and the truck from Kokstad to Mzamba. Authorities suspect driver fatigue may have contributed to the crash.

The six victims, five males and one female, were travelling home to Mbizana when the accident occurred. Three people sustained serious injuries, while another three sustained slight injuries, and were attended to by emergency services and transported for medical treatment. The identities and circumstances surrounding the accident are yet to be formally confirmed. Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed the deaths, stating that the incident was under investigation.

This latest tragedy follows a deadly head-on crash on the N2 near Ndabakazi on Friday evening, which claimed seven lives, including a five-year-old boy. The accident involved a Suzuki seven-seater and a Toyota Corolla, with one occupant of the Suzuki surviving. The driver of the Toyota Corolla and one passenger from the Suzuki sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Two other vehicles were involved in secondary collisions, with occupants sustaining minor injuries.

Authorities cited suspected drink driving and heavy mist as contributing factors in the Friday collision, which also caused secondary crashes. The Eastern Cape transport department has expressed concern over the recent spate of accidents on the N2. Binqose stated that the department was working to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents on the province's roads.

These fatal incidents follow a recent truck crash in Mcetheni village that killed eight members of a bridal entourage. The relatives were travelling in a truck from Nomvalo village in Port St Johns, delivering a bridegroom to her husband for a traditional wedding. They were part of a 30-member bridal entourage, and 22 others were left badly injured in the accident. The eight victims were buried in a mass funeral organised by the provincial government and Port St Johns municipality.

The Eastern Cape transport department has urged road users to exercise caution and follow road safety regulations. The department has also called for increased awareness and education on road safety, particularly during peak travel periods. The recent accidents have highlighted the need for improved road safety measures and enforcement in the province.

The investigation into the two crashes is ongoing, with police working to determine the exact causes of the accidents. The provincial government has assured the public that it is taking steps to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents on the province's roads. The community has been urged to cooperate with authorities and report any reckless or negligent driving behaviour.

Key points

• Driver fatigue and drink driving are suspected to have contributed to the recent crashes on the N2 in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
• Thirteen people died in two separate crashes on the N2 within 24 hours.
• Authorities have urged road users to exercise caution and follow road safety regulations to reduce the number of accidents on the province's roads.