MIDDELBURG – Five people lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries after a single vehicle lost control and overturned on the N10 between Middelburg and Nxuba in the Chris Hani District.
According to Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose, the crash occurred at approximately 17:45 on 4 May.
He said that the vehicle, which was travelling from Middelburg towards Nxuba, was carrying eight occupants, including the driver.
Binqose said that preliminary reports indicated that the vehicle was overloaded.
“It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the crash. Five occupants, three men and two women, were declared dead at the scene. The driver is among the deceased,” said Binqose.
He further said that the three injured passengers were transported to Middelburg Provincial Hospital for further medical treatment.
“The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with both Provincial and National Department of Transport authorities forming part of the investigative process,” said Binqose.
He said that this latest incident brought the number of road fatalities in the Eastern Cape to 12 within a 12-hour period, following a crash involving a taxi and a bus in Kariega which claimed seven lives on the same day (4 May).
Binqose said that a case of culpable homicide had been opened at Middelburg SAPS for further investigation.
ALSO READ: New Belhar fire engine attacked by youths and severely damaged
