Death Toll in Eastern Cape collision rises to 15

A total of 15 people have died and 2 others have been seriously injured in a collision between a truck and a minibus taxi in the Eastern Cape. The head-on crash on the N2 between Mount Ayliff and Mount Frere, took place on Wednesday 15 April 2020, at approximately 16:30.

Initial reports placed the death toll at 11, however, rescue officials have since discovered 4 more bodies at the scene of the collision.

The deceased were all occupants of the minibus taxi, while the injured were in the truck.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has sent his condolences to the bereaved and wished the injured a swift and full recovery. Minister Mbalula has expressed his disappointment that the minibus was fully loaded and thus in contravention of the lockdown regulations.

The matter has been handed over to law enforcement officials. The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s Crash Investigation Unit will be working with the South African Police Service to ascertain the cause of the collision and probe the contravention of the lockdown regulations.