Five Dead After VW Polo Crashes Head-On With Bus Carrying 60 Zimbabweans In Eastern Cape

Five people have lost their lives after a tragic crash involving a VW Polo and a bus on the N6 in the Eastern Cape.

The accident happened on Sunday night on the stretch of road between KuGompo in East London and Stutterheim. According to authorities, the small car collided head-on with a bus transporting 60 Zimbabwean nationals.

Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Makhaya Khomisa said the bus had been travelling towards Stutterheim when the collision occurred.

All five occupants of the VW Polo died in the crash.

Emergency services had to use specialised rescue equipment to recover the victims from the wreckage.

“Jaws of life were used to extricate the deceased from the VW Polo. It is alleged that the Bus and VW Polo were travelling in opposite directions at the time of the accident. The injured passengers were rushed to the nearest hospital for further medical evaluation.”

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Dozens of Injured Passengers Rushed to Hospital

The 60 passengers on the bus sustained injuries in the crash and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment and further assessment.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the severity of the injuries.

Officials said investigators will now work to determine what led to the deadly collision.

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Khomisa confirmed that law enforcement agencies have opened a criminal case.

“The case of culpable homicide and reckless driving has been opened at Stutterheim police station. Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes the injured passengers a speedy recovery.”

Eastern Cape Authorities Warn Drivers After Recent Fatal Crashes

The fatal crash comes just weeks after another deadly incident in the province.

Last month, seven people — including a minor — died in a collision on the N2 near Bhisho/Bulembu Airport outside Qonce.

The victims were declared dead at the scene, while two other occupants were transported to Grey Hospital for treatment.

It is alleged that a bakkie carrying six passengers first struck the side of a small vehicle before crashing into another bakkie.

Eastern Cape Provincial Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said a culpable homicide case was opened following that incident.

Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has urged motorists to obey the rules of the road and drive responsibly.