An inquest docket has been opened following the deaths of 15 people in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bakkie, the Eastern Cape Transport Department said yesterday.

“A total of 15 people have died and five others sustained injuries in a head-on collision involving a fully loaded minibus taxi and a bakkie. The accident occurred on the R63 road between Adelaide and Maqoma (Fort Beaufort) at about midnight on Saturday,” said the department in a social media post on Facebook.

15 PEOPLE KILLED IN EASTERN CAPE ACCIDENT

Fifteen individuals have lost their lives and five others were injured in a head-on crash involving a fully loaded minibus taxi and a bakkie. The incident took place on the R63 road between Adelaide and Maqoma (Fort Beaufort) last… pic.twitter.com/lPXVq763Ar

— CrimeInSA (@sa_crime) May 4, 2025

It is alleged that the white Quantum, travelling from Qonce (King William’s Town) to Cape Town, collided head-on with an Isuzu double cab that was travelling from Adelaide to Kwamaqoma.

According to the department, the driver of the Isuzu died on the scene and 13 passengers in the Quantum were also declared dead on the scene, including the driver.

The six other passengers in the minibus taxi were rushed to hospital for treatment. One of them later died, taking the number of deceased to 15.

Minister @BarbaraCreecy_ and the Deputy Minister @MkhulekoHlengwa express their condolences to the bereaved families
who lost their loved ones in a fatal road crash on the R63 between Adelaide and Maqoma in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, May 3, 2025 pic.twitter.com/tGZ2jhXjPO

— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) May 4, 2025

“An inquest docket has been opened for further investigations as both drivers died in the accident,” said the provincial department. –SAnews.gov.za

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