Three Dead, Five Injured in Multiple-Vehicle Collision on R63 Near Qonce (KWT)

A tragic multiple-vehicle collision on the R63 near Debe Nek, just outside Qonce (KWT) towards Alice, has claimed three lives and left five others injured.

The crash occurred on Tuesday, 20 January, at approximately 16:00.

Preliminary reports indicate that two bakkies, both travelling in the same direction from Middledrift, were involved.

One Toyota bakkie, carrying two Fidelity security personnel, was transporting its crew when the collision occurred.

The second Toyota bakkie, carrying three male occupants and loaded with livestock, was also travelling from Middledrift.

A Toyota Corolla, with two occupants, travelling from Qonce, was also caught up in the crash.

Tragically, all three male occupants of the bakkie transporting livestock sustained fatal injuries at the scene.

The remaining four occupants of the Fidelity security bakkie, along with the two occupants of the Toyota Corolla, sustained various injuries.

They were transported to Grey Hospital in Qonce for further medical treatment.

Hospital authorities confirmed that the injured were in stable condition but remained under observation.

Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, with police and traffic officers working to secure the area and assist victims.

The road was partially closed while the vehicles were removed and the scene investigated, causing delays for motorists travelling between Qonce and Alice.

Authorities have opened investigations into the cause of the collision.

The Chungwa Sapa Police Station has registered cases of culpable homicide and negligent driving.

Investigators will determine the circumstances leading up to the crash, including vehicle speed, road conditions, and driver behaviour.

Local residents and motorists are urged to exercise caution while travelling on the R63, particularly during peak traffic hours.

The crash has raised concerns over road safety in the area, highlighting the risks associated with heavy vehicle transport and long-distance travel on provincial roads.

Police have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has dashcam footage to come forward to assist with the investigation.

The community has also expressed condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, cautious driving, and adherence to traffic regulations on busy routes in the Eastern Cape.