A devastating head-on collision on the N2 highway near Qumbu in the Eastern Cape has claimed the lives of four people. The accident involved an SUV, driven by a single male occupant, and a VW UP carrying four passengers.
According to reports, the crash left all four occupants of the VW UP dead at the scene. Among the deceased were a woman believed to be in her 40s and her three children—two girls aged 12 and 9, and a 5-year-old boy. The SUV driver survived with minor injuries.
### Fatal Festive Season Toll on Eastern Cape Roads
This tragic incident adds to the alarming death toll on Eastern Cape roads during the festive season, with over 80 fatalities reported so far. Provincial Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, shared that the victims may have been traveling home to celebrate Christmas when the crash abruptly ended their journey.
“It is believed the deceased were a mother and her three children. Their lives were brutally cut short in yet another head-on collision,” Binqose said.
A culpable homicide case has been opened, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
### Condolences and Calls for Road Safety
Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased. He urged all road users to take responsibility for ensuring safety and reducing accidents.
“The MEC is calling on all road users to play our role in curbing these carnages on our roads,” Binqose added.
### Rising Road Fatalities Demand Action
The festive season has seen numerous road tragedies across South Africa. Just recently, 14 lives were lost in another Eastern Cape accident, and three people died in a crash on the N1 near Butterworth.
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Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of adherence to traffic laws, vigilance, and caution to reduce these heartbreaking incidents.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the need for collective action to improve road safety, especially during high-traffic periods like the festive season.