Two people lost their lives in a horrific crash involving a truck and two other vehicles on the R72 just outside East London on Monday afternoon.
According to Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose, both victims died at the scene.
Emergency services had to use the jaws of life to free occupants from one of the vehicles.
The crash caused major traffic disruptions, with provincial authorities rerouting vehicles while the road remained blocked for the greater part of the afternoon.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened as investigators work to determine the cause of the accident.
“Crash investigators will rush to the scene to establish the cause of the accident,” Binqose said.
“We want to check if it was the condition of the vehicles or the state of the road that caused the accident.”
The damaged vehicles will be taken to either the nearest police station or a designated area for further inspection by insurance companies.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution on the R72 as authorities continue their investigation.
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