Nine dead, eight injured in multi-vehicle crash on R61 near Ngcobo
Nine people have died and eight others were injured following a tragic multi-vehicle crash on the R61 near Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape.
The collision occurred at around 10:00 on 31 December 2025 at Beyele, along the R61 between Ngcobo and Cofimvaba. Three vehicles were involved: a Toyota minibus taxi, a Toyota Avanza, and a GWM Steed bakkie.
According to Eastern Cape Transport Spokesperson Unathi Binqose, the Toyota minibus taxi, carrying 16 occupants, was travelling from Ngcobo town to nearby rural areas, while the Toyota Avanza, with four occupants, was travelling from the Cofimvaba direction. The two vehicles collided head-on.
Binqose said, all four occupants of the Toyota Avanza and five passengers from the minibus taxi were declared dead at the scene by emergency medical services. An additional victim later succumbed to injuries after being transported to All Saints Provincial Hospital in Ngcobo, bringing the death toll to nine.
“Eight injured passengers from the minibus taxi were taken to All Saints Provincial Hospital for medical treatment. The third vehicle, a GWM Steed bakkie, sustained damage as a result of the collision, but no injuries were reported among its occupants”.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. A case of culpable homicide will be opened at Ngcobo SAPS.
“The Eastern Cape Department of Transport and Traffic Authorities have expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery”, concluded Binqose.
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