MAQOMA – The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has confirmed that 15 people have died in a tragic head-on collision on the R63 road between Adelaide and Maqoma (formerly Beaufort), just before midnight on Saturday, 3 May 2025.
Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the fatal crash involved a fully loaded Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and an Isuzu double cab bakkie.
“It is alleged that a white Quantum minibus taxi, travelling from Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) to Cape Town, collided head-on with an Isuzu double cab bakkie that was travelling from Adelaide towards KwaMaqoma,” Binqose said in a brief statement.
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According to Binqose, the driver of the bakkie died at the scene, along with 13 passengers in the taxi, including the taxi driver.
Six other occupants of the taxi were transported to Provincial Hospital with injuries. Sadly, one of them succumbed to their injuries upon arrival, bringing the total death toll to 15.
“This is one of the deadliest accidents we’ve seen in the province this year,” Binqose added. “Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost their lives. We continue to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads, especially at night.”
An inquest docket has been opened, and police are continuing investigations into the cause of the crash
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