At least seven people, including a five-year-old child, have died in a head-on collision on the N2 between Kei Cuttings and Ndabakazi in the Eastern Cape.
The crash happened on Friday as difficult weather conditions affected visibility in the area. The Eastern Cape Transport Department said the weather may have contributed to the collision, while also identifying drunk driving as a definite factor in the incident.
One driver and a passenger survived the crash with serious injuries. They were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The surviving driver is expected to face a culpable homicide case, according to the provincial department.
Further collisions reported
The initial crash was followed by secondary collisions involving two other vehicles. These incidents resulted in minor injuries, adding to the danger on a section of the national road where visibility had already been affected by the weather.
The department has urged motorists travelling through the area to approach with caution and reduce their speed. The warning is particularly important while conditions remain difficult, as reduced visibility can limit the time available to identify stopped vehicles, debris or other hazards on the road.
The known details of the incident are:
- Location: the N2 between Kei Cuttings and Ndabakazi;
- Deaths: at least seven people, including a five-year-old child;
- Serious injuries: one driver and one passenger;
- Additional crashes: two vehicles were involved in secondary collisions;
- Investigation: a culpable-homicide case will be opened against the surviving driver.
Road safety concerns
The crash brings together several risks that frequently make travel more dangerous: poor visibility, possible alcohol impairment and traffic moving along a major national route. The transport department’s warning places the immediate focus on driver behaviour, especially speed and caution while passing through the affected area.
For families travelling on the N2, the deaths will be felt far beyond the road itself. The loss of a child and other passengers has left families facing grief, while those injured must recover from the consequences of a collision that authorities are still investigating. The circumstances surrounding the crash will be tested through that investigation and any subsequent court process.
The department’s confirmation that a case will be opened against the surviving driver does not amount to a finding of guilt. The investigation will have to establish what happened before the head-on collision, including the role of the weather, visibility and alleged alcohol use. The driver’s medical treatment will also remain an immediate concern following the serious injuries reported.
Motorists urged to take care
Motorists using the N2 near Kei Cuttings and Ndabakazi have been advised to slow down and proceed carefully. The department has not indicated how long the effects of the incident or the weather conditions will continue to affect traffic in the area.
Drivers should therefore remain alert, allow for limited visibility and avoid behaviour that could further increase the risk to themselves and other road users. The department’s appeal is especially significant after secondary collisions were reported, showing how quickly one crash can create additional hazards for vehicles approaching the scene.
With seven people dead and several others injured, the incident is likely to intensify concern about safety on the province’s roads. Further details about the identities of the victims, the exact sequence of events and the investigation were not provided in the initial confirmation.
