In a tragic collision on the N2 near Gonubie Farms in the Eastern Cape, two women lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries following a crash involving three vehicles. This incident marks yet another sorrowful chapter during what is typically a joyous festive season.
The accident occurred involving a vehicle carrying five passengers, a fully loaded minibus taxi, and an SUV with two occupants. Emergency services responded promptly, but unfortunately, the two women from the private vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
Remarkably, the passengers in the minibus taxi escaped without harm, highlighting the unpredictable nature of road safety during the festive season when traffic volume increases significantly.
Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, expressed condolences to the families affected by this devastating event. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who are spending Christmas alone and who have just buried or are about to bury their loved ones,” Binqose said. “This accident that happened on the N2 near the Gonubie adds to that pain from multitudes of families across the province.”
The MEC for Transport in the province, Mr. Xolile Nqata, has issued a stark reminder for drivers to exercise heightened vigilance on the roads. “We urge all motorists to be extra cautious during the holiday season. The roads are particularly hazardous, and the responsibility lies with each driver to ensure their safety and that of others,” he stated, underscoring the need for collective accountability when navigating South Africa’s roadways.