Another vehicle hits cow on N6 as livestock crash crisis worsens

Another vehicle has collided with a cow, adding to the growing number of livestock-related crashes recorded across the Chris Hani District.

The latest incident occurred at about 23:00 on Wednesday night, just past Bailey Cuttings on the N6 towards James Calata (Jamestown).

According to information from emergency services, a vehicle collided with a cow and came to rest in the middle of the roadway, prompting requests for traffic officials and the South African Police Service to assist with traffic control.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The latest collision continues a worrying trend of livestock-related crashes on some of the district’s busiest roads.

Based on incidents reported to Komani News, the following crashes have been recorded since the beginning of June:

• 6 June – R61 near Tarkastad: Six people injured after a vehicle struck a cow.
• 7 June – N6 near Lesseyton: One person injured after a vehicle collided with a cow.
• 8 June – R61: One person injured in another livestock collision.
• 10 June – Near Komani: Three people injured after a vehicle struck a cow.
• 12 June – R67 near Tambo Village: Two people injured after a vehicle collided with a cow.
• 14 June – R61: One woman was killed and five other people were injured when a taxi collided with a cow.
• 19 June – N6 near Lesseyton: Another collision involving a cow was reported, although no injuries occurred.
• 27 June – R61 near Qombolo outside Cofimvaba: Five people injured after a vehicle struck a cow.
• 5 July – R61 outside Komani: One person injured after a Toyota Quantum collided with a cow.
• 6 July – R56 near Indwe: An Isuzu D-Max struck a cow. No injuries were reported.
• 6 July – R67 at Tambo Village: A Fidelity Services Group bakkie collided with a cow. No injuries were reported.
• 11 July – R61 near Qamata Basin: Three people injured after a Toyota Quantum collided with a cow.
• 13 July – R67 outside Whittlesea: A vehicle struck a cow. No injuries were reported.
• Wednesday night – N6 near Bailey Cutts: A vehicle collided with a cow. No injuries were reported.

These are only the incidents reported to Komani News through emergency services and official sources. It is understood that other collisions involving livestock go unreported, meaning the true number of crashes is likely to be even higher.

Komani News has now recorded at least 14 livestock-related crashes across the Chris Hani District since the beginning of June.

Those crashes have left 27 people injured and claimed one life.

Livestock continues to wander onto major routes including the R61, N6, R67 and R56, placing motorists at risk, particularly after dark when visibility is limited.

With another collision added to the growing list, the calls for stronger enforcement against roaming livestock and improved road safety measures continue to grow.