Fifteen Lives Lost in Devastating Taxi and Bakkie Collision on R63
A heart-wrenching collision on the R63 between Adelaide and Maqoma (formerly Fort Beaufort) in the Eastern Cape has left 15 people dead and several others critically injured, marking one of the province’s deadliest road accidents in recent months.
The fatal crash occurred just after midnight on May 3, when a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi traveling from Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) to Cape Town collided head-on with an Isuzu Double Cab bakkie headed from Adelaide to KwaMaqoma.
Authorities confirmed that 14 people were killed instantly, including both drivers and 12 passengers from the minibus. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where six severely injured survivors from the taxi were transported to a nearby provincial hospital.
Tragically, one of the injured passengers succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival, bringing the total death toll to 15. The remaining five victims remain in critical condition, and medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilize them.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but early reports suggest speed and visibility may have been contributing factors. The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has expressed deep condolences to the families and pledged to intensify road safety efforts along high-risk routes.
Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha stated, “This is a painful reminder of the dangers on our roads. We mourn with the families and will ensure a full investigation is carried out.”
As the province reels from this tragic loss, officials are once again calling on drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially during long-distance travel and late-night driving.
