Six killed in truck and minibus collision on the R61 in the EC – SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader.

Six people have been killed in a head-on collision between a truck and a minibus on the R61 near Xamdeboo, formerly known as Aberdeen, in the Eastern Cape.

Another person was injured when two cars crashed into the wreckage.

Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose says it appears the minibus was travelling from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape when the crash happened.

“We are deeply saddened by this accident on the R61, claiming six lives, all women, and leaving six others seriously injured. The MEC for Transport, Xolile Nqata, extends a word of condolences to each of the families who lost their loved ones in this accident and wishes a speedy recovery to those in hospital. The real cause of the accident is not known at this stage; however, fatigue cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor.”

A crash between a truck and a minibus on the R61 near Xamdeboo in the Eastern Cape claimed 6 lives. The head-on collision between the vehicles left 6 other people seriously injured. The cause of the accident is not known at this stage.
CREDIT: EC DEPT OF TRANSPORT https://t.co/CcaY3gorF5
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 24, 2026