Nine people lost their lives in a horrific multi-vehicle crash on the R61 outside Mthatha in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, 31 December 2025, just one day before the start of the new year. The devastating accident involved two bakkies and a minibus taxi and left several others seriously injured, once again highlighting the dangers on South Africa’s roads during the festive season.
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Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after the collision was reported. Paramedics arriving at the crash site were met with what they described as a scene of complete devastation, with wreckage strewn across the road and multiple victims trapped inside the damaged vehicles. According to ALS Paramedic Services spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, the impact of the collision was severe, resulting in instant fatalities.
Eastern Cape Emergency Medical Services established an on-site triage area to assess and stabilise survivors. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals and clinics for urgent medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that six of the nine people who died were women. The exact number of injured victims has not yet been finalised, as some were transferred between facilities for further care.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) attended the scene and has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. At this stage, the circumstances leading to the collision remain unclear. Police have not ruled out factors such as speeding, reckless driving or driver fatigue, all of which are common contributors to serious accidents during peak holiday travel periods.
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern about road safety as thousands of motorists travel across the country during the festive season. Law enforcement agencies and government departments have repeatedly urged drivers to obey traffic laws, avoid dangerous overtaking, reduce speed and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
This crash is one of several deadly incidents reported in recent days. In Mpumalanga, seven people were killed in a separate accident on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Belfast on 27 December 2025. Provincial authorities revealed that more than 95 people have died in road accidents in Mpumalanga alone since the start of the festive season, with nearly 20,000 traffic fines issued in an effort to curb dangerous driving.
Public reaction to the Eastern Cape crash has been intense, particularly due to the involvement of a minibus taxi. Many South Africans expressed frustration and anger on social media, blaming reckless driving and poor compliance with road regulations. Taxis, which transport millions of commuters daily, are frequently at the centre of road safety debates, with calls growing louder for stricter enforcement and accountability within the industry.
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As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, authorities are once again appealing to motorists to prioritise safety over haste. With many travellers still on the roads returning home after the holidays, officials warn that vigilance, patience and responsible driving are critical to preventing further loss of life.
