Cow on roadway leaves Quantum passenger trapped and injured

Another cow crash on R61 leaves one injured, livestock collision tally rises

Another vehicle has collided with a cow on an Eastern Cape road, adding to a growing list of livestock-related crashes being reported across the Chris Hani District.

The latest incident happened at around 19:00 on Sunday, 5 July, on the R61 near Komani, when a Toyota Quantum struck a cow that had entered the roadway near the 17km marker east of town.

Emergency services responded to the scene and found one occupant trapped inside the vehicle after their feet became wedged beneath the dashboard. Rescue teams managed to free the patient, who was later transported to Frontier Hospital for treatment.

No fatalities were reported.

The South African Police Service, emergency medical personnel and towing services attended the scene before the damaged vehicle was removed.

The collision is the latest in what is becoming an alarming trend on some of the district’s busiest roads.

• On 6 June near Tarkastad, where six people were injured after a vehicle struck a cow on the R61.
• A day later, another collision near Lesseyton left one person injured.
• On 8 June, another motorist hit a cow on the R61, with one person sustaining injuries.
• Three people were injured near Komani on 10 June after a vehicle collided with a cow on the roadway.
• On 12 June, two people were injured when a vehicle struck a cow near Tambo Village between Komani and Whittlesea.
• The incidents turned tragic on 14 June when a taxi collided with a cow on the R61, killing one woman and leaving five other occupants injured.
• Another collision involving a cow was reported near Lesseyton on 19 June, although no injuries were recorded.
• A further crash near Cofimvaba on 27 June left five people injured after a vehicle struck a cow on the R61 near Qombolo.

With Sunday’s incident now added to the list, Komani News has recorded at least nine livestock-related crashes on the district’s roads since the beginning of June.

Those crashes have left at least 24 people injured and claimed one life.

Most of the incidents have occurred on major routes including the R61, N6 and R67, with many taking place during evening hours when visibility is reduced and livestock becomes more difficult to spot.

As the number of crashes continues to rise, concerns are growing over animals roaming freely near busy roads and the danger they pose to motorists travelling through the district.