An accident with multiple fatalities happened on the R61 between Flagstaff and Lusikisiki around 13:45 today, 4 June.
According to Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the Department of Transport in the Eastern Cape, an accident involving a minibus taxi and a long distance bus claimed the lives of 11 people, while 14 others sustained injuries.
“Details of the accident remain sketchy at this stage, but our traffic law enforcement officers are on the scene along with all the rapid response teams.
“The number one priority is to assist and rescue those that are injured in this accident and then recover the bodies of those who have sadly passed on in this accident,” Binqose said.
A single decker bus with 18 occupants traveling from Lusikisiki collided with a taxi carrying 16 occupants from Flagstaff.
“A total of 11 occupants from the minibus taxi died on the scene – nine adults and two children. They were all declared dead by emergency authorities on the scene of the accident.”
Six people were critically injured, while the taxi driver sustained minor injuries.
Binqose said details surrounding the accident are still unknown at this stage and will form part of police investigations.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Flagstaff police for further investigation.
This article has been updated with the latest information.
