A crash between a minibus and a long-distance bus on the R61 between Flagstaff and Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape has left 11 dead and 14 people injured.

According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the collision occurred at around 13:45 yesterday.

Initial reports suggested that nine people lost their lives in the head-on collision, however, the department’s latest update says 11 people died.

In a Facebook post, Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha said he wants motorists to ensure that ‘maximum focus is a minimum requirement’ while travelling on the roads.

“[It will] help us avoid accidents like head-on collisions,” he added.

Prasa saddened by deadly accident

The bus involved in the crash belongs to Autopax, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

“We are deeply saddened by the number of fatalities in this accident. Autopax takes safety seriously and will participate fully in investigations to establish the cause of the accident. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones,” Autopax CEO Niel Roesch said in a statement released by SAnews.

Passengers who suffered non-severe injuries were taken to the nearest hospital and clinic.

In the statement, Prasa commended the rapid response teams and traffic law enforcement officers for their swift rescue operations.

11 people, 9 adults and 2 children have been killed in an accident involving a taxi and a bus, on the R61 between Flagstaff and Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. It’s understood the taxi driver hit the truck in a head-on collision. Several people have been injured. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/OtvwPedIML

— eNCA (@eNCA) June 4, 2023