Seven Killed In Free State Head-On Collision Between Van And Car

Seven people have been killed after a devastating head-on collision involving a light delivery van and a light motor vehicle in the Free State.

The crash happened on the R712 between QwaQwa and Harrismith on Saturday night, 23 May 2026. Emergency services and law enforcement officials rushed to the scene shortly after the accident was reported.

Free State Head-On Collision Leaves Seven Dead

The Free State Road Incident Management System (RIMS) said emergency crews responded to the scene at approximately 11:20pm.

“Seven passengers (6 males, 1 female) were declared dead on scene. One person sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Thebe Hospital in Harrismith for medical care.”

Authorities confirmed that the South African Police Service Crash Investigation Unit was activated to investigate the fatal collision.

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“The South African Police Service Crash Investigation Unit was activated to the scene, along with all other relevant stakeholders. The road has since been cleared and is now open to traffic,” RIMS said.

RIMS Urges Motorists To Prioritise Road Safety

RIMS extended condolences to the families of those who died in the accident and wished the injured survivor a speedy recovery.

Officials also urged motorists to obey traffic laws and ensure that vehicles are in a roadworthy condition before travelling.

“We urge all road users to exercise caution, obey speed limits, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” it said.

Mpumalanga Taxi And Bus Crash Claimed Ten Lives Last Week

The Free State tragedy follows another deadly road accident in Mpumalanga last week where ten people were killed in a head-on collision involving a minibus taxi and a bus.

The accident occurred on the R39 highway between Standerton and Morgenzon on Thursday morning.

All ten victims were travelling in the minibus taxi, including the driver. Eight people died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to injuries in hospital.

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Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

“At the time of the crash, the taxi was travelling from Morgenzon to Standerton, while the bus was reportedly travelling from Standerton to Morgenzon. The bus driver sustained minor injuries. One passenger in the bus escaped unharmed.”

Jackie Macie has conveyed condolences to the affected families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.