Six people, all female passengers in a minibus taxi, were killed and six others seriously injured in a head-on collision with a truck on the R61 near Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape on 24 October 2026. The crash occurred about 30 kilometres outside Aberdeen, en route towards Beaufort West.
Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the minibus taxi was travelling from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape when the collision happened. “The real cause of the accident is not known at this stage; however, fatigue cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor,” Binqose stated during a media briefing.
Police have opened a case of culpable homicide in connection with the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with no further details confirmed about the cause beyond fatigue as a possible factor.
Reports indicate that an additional vehicle, a Kia Rio, was involved in a subsequent collision after the initial impact, resulting in one more person being injured. However, details around this second collision remain partially verified and are still being clarified by officials.
This tragic crash highlights ongoing road safety concerns on South Africa’s national routes, especially involving minibus taxis which frequently operate across provincial boundaries. The R61 is a heavily trafficked road linking the Western Cape to parts of the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.
Earlier this year, the Eastern Cape experienced several tragic accidents on rural highways where driver fatigue was cited as a factor, reflecting wider national challenges in transport safety regulation and enforcement. Transport authorities have repeatedly warned of the dangers of long-distance travel without adequate rest.
The next update on the investigation will likely come when the police release official findings or when the case proceeds in court. Meanwhile, emergency services and local law enforcement remain engaged with the families of the victims and those injured in this devastating crash.