A tragic road accident on Sunday night has claimed the lives of five people and left dozens more injured after a devastating collision along the busy N6 highway between East London and Stutterheim.

The deadly crash occurred on the evening of 8 March 2026 when a bus carrying about 60 Zimbabwean passengers slammed head-on into a Volkswagen Polo travelling in the opposite direction. The violent impact turned the quiet stretch of road into a scene of chaos and destruction within seconds.
According to early reports from authorities, the bus was travelling toward Stutterheim when the two vehicles collided. The small VW Polo, which had five people inside, stood little chance against the much larger bus. Witnesses say the force of the impact pushed the car beneath the bus, leaving it crushed and wedged under the heavy vehicle.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the accident was reported. Paramedics worked through the night pulling injured passengers from the wreckage while ambulances transported victims to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Officials later confirmed that five people lost their lives in the horrific crash. At least 60 others sustained injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious conditions requiring hospital treatment.
Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide and reckless driving at Stutterheim Police Station as investigators begin piecing together exactly what happened.
Authorities say the precise cause of the collision is still unknown. Investigators are now examining several possible factors, including driver behaviour, road conditions, and whether speed may have contributed to the tragedy.
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has extended heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the accident.
He also wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured and urged motorists to remain cautious when travelling on major routes such as the N6. The road is known to be a critical connection between several towns in the province and often carries heavy traffic, particularly at night.
Nqatha reminded drivers to respect traffic laws and remain vigilant behind the wheel, warning that reckless driving continues to claim lives on South African roads.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, authorities say more details about the crash are expected to emerge in the coming days. The tragedy has once again highlighted the ongoing concern over road safety across the country, particularly during night-time travel when visibility is reduced and risks are significantly higher.
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