Six Killed After Minibus Crashes Into Freight Truck On R61 Highway In Eastern Cape Province

Mthatha, South Africa— A severe collision between a minibus taxi and a freight truck on the R61 Highway on October 25, 2026 killed six people and left several others injured, shutting the road for hours.

The crash happened near the N2 junction outside Mthatha, on a two-lane stretch notorious for head-on collisions. Police said the minibus, carrying 14 passengers toward Port St. Johns, attempted to overtake on a blind rise and struck an oncoming freight truck loaded with timber.

Four passengers died inside the minibus on impact. The driver and one more passenger died while being cut free. The truck driver survived with minor injuries but was trapped in the cab for 30 minutes until fire crews freed him. Five injured passengers were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, two in critical condition.

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport said initial evidence points to reckless overtaking and possible fatigue. The minibus was operating without a valid operating permit, according to a preliminary check of the registration disk. The truck's tachograph will be examined for speed.

A traffic officer at the scene said, "This road kills because people take chances. The paint is faded, there is no median, and taxis are under pressure to make trips." Residents said they heard a loud bang and ran to help before ambulances arrived.

The R61 was closed for more than six hours as forensic teams mapped the scene and heavy wreckers removed the vehicles. Fuel and oil spilled across 50 meters of asphalt. The road surface was scrubbed before reopening to one lane under stop-go control.

Minibus taxis carry the majority of commuters in the province and have a high crash rate. Government data shows the R61 recorded 23 fatalities this year before this crash. Calls for median barriers and improved enforcement have stalled due to budget constraints.

Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha visited the scene and said, "We mourn six lives lost on our roads. We will audit this operator and impound unroadworthy vehicles found during this operation." The Road Traffic Management Corporation will conduct a full crash reconstruction.

Families gathered at the hospital mortuary to identify bodies. Counseling teams were sent. The truck company said it is cooperating and has grounded its fleet for a safety briefing.