KEY POINTS
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One person was killed and three others injured in a head-on collision near Buntingville, Eastern Cape.
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Authorities suspect the crash was caused by a loss of control, leading to one bakkie veering into oncoming traffic.
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Eastern Cape transport officials have intensified law enforcement as part of ongoing Easter weekend road safety measures.
A devastating head-on collision between two vehicles on the T30 road near Buntingville, Eastern Cape, has resulted in the death of one person and left three others seriously injured.
The crash on T30 road occurred on Sunday, April 20, as families were returning home during the busy Easter weekend, a time often marked by heightened road travel and an increased risk of accidents.
According to provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose, initial investigations suggest the driver of one of the bakkies lost control of the vehicle and veered into oncoming traffic. “The driver of the Isuzu bakkie died at the scene, while the driver of the Nissan bakkie was among those seriously injured,” said Binqose.
Emergency response teams rushed the three injured individuals to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha for urgent medical attention.
Sowetanlive reports that Authorities have opened a case of culpable homicide to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash further.
Transport authorities promise intensified patrols on T30 road
In response to this and other incidents, Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha has directed traffic enforcement officers to increase visibility and act decisively against reckless driving. “There are still a couple of hours left before the end of the Easter weekend; we will intensify our road safety operations, with a special focus on long-distance travelling, as we know many people will be heading to their workplaces,” Binqose stated.
The province has seen a series of road accidents over the long weekend, prompting officials to renew calls for vigilance and safer driving behavior.
The T30 route, a common corridor for rural and inter-town travel, has witnessed a rise in crashes in recent years, many linked to poor road conditions, driver fatigue, and vehicle overloads.
Transport officials have urged motorists to adhere to traffic laws, avoid speeding, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long trips.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones during this period, and we wish those in hospital a full and speedy recovery,” said Binqose.
The recent incident adds to a grim tally of Easter holiday road casualties across South Africa, which transport departments nationwide are working to reduce through stricter enforcement, awareness campaigns, and enhanced infrastructure planning.
