Fatal crash involving bakkies and minibus taxi claims seven lives in Eastern Cape

Seven people have died in a multiple vehicle crash along the R61, near Beyele outside of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said the collision involving two bakkies and a minibus taxi occurred on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.

"Paramedics arrived on scene to find chaos and carnage as they found that two bakkies and a taxi had collided leaving multiple fatalities and casualties. Immediately a triage was set up by EMS Eastern Cape," he said.

Jamieson said some patients were rushed to nearby hospitals and clinics by private vehicles for urgent medical care.

He said ambulances and rescue services worked to free the entrapped casualties before transporting critically injured patients to nearby hospitals.

"Unfortunately, seven people, six women and one man died due to their injuries sustained."

He added that the road was closed while emergency personnel worked on the scene.

At this stage, the events leading up to the crash are unknown; however, police were on the scene and will be investigating further.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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