SAPS Confirms N6 ‘Accident Scene’ Was Easter Safety Drill

Motorists travelling along the N6 near Komani on Monday morning may have been alarmed by a large emergency response presence near the CTM bridge — but police have confirmed there was no accident.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, the scene was part of a planned mock emergency exercise ahead of the busy Easter travel period.

Planned Multi-Agency Simulation

Mgolodela confirmed that the simulation involved a coordinated response from multiple emergency and law enforcement agencies.

“Police can confirm a mock scene by CTM Bridge in preparation for the Easter weekend. All law enforcement agents were involved, including fire and disaster and emergency rescue teams,” she said.

The exercise brought together EMS, fire services, disaster management teams, rescue units, and towing services, simulating how authorities would respond to a serious road accident.

Focus on Easter Road Safety

The Easter weekend is one of the busiest travel periods on South Africa’s roads, with a sharp increase in traffic volumes expected along key routes such as the N6.

Authorities typically intensify road safety operations during this time, as accident rates historically rise due to higher traffic volumes, fatigue, and risky driving behaviour.

Monday’s simulation forms part of broader efforts to ensure emergency teams are fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of serious crashes.

What Motorists Saw

The presence of multiple emergency vehicles near the CTM bridge caused concern among some motorists, with reports of what appeared to be a serious accident scene.

However, SAPS has now clarified that the activity was not linked to any real incident, but rather a controlled training exercise.

Drivers Urged to Remain Cautious

With Easter approaching, motorists travelling on the N6 and surrounding routes are urged to exercise caution.

Drivers should:

• Avoid speeding and dangerous overtaking
• Remain alert, especially on narrow sections of road
• Watch out for livestock and unexpected hazards
• Ensure vehicles are roadworthy before long-distance travel

Preparedness Could Save Lives

While Monday’s scene may have caused temporary confusion, it highlights the level of preparation taking place behind the scenes to manage the expected surge in traffic.

Coordinated response efforts between emergency services are critical in reducing response times and potentially saving lives during one of the most high-risk travel periods of the year.