Driver dies as bakkie carrying 12 overturns near Elliot

A man has died and 11 others, including two children, were injured after a bakkie overturned on the R56 near Elliot on Wednesday afternoon.

The crash happened at about 4.48pm on 1 July on the R56-6 route near Elliot. Emergency services, rescue teams, police, traffic officials and forensic services responded to the scene.

According to information from emergency services, the driver of the Toyota bakkie was declared dead at the scene, while one occupant had to be extricated from the wreckage.

A total of 11 people were injured in the crash, including five critically injured patients, four patients with serious injuries and two with moderate injuries. Two of the injured were children. All the patients were transported to Elliot Hospital for treatment.

The scene remained active for several hours as emergency crews worked to assist patients and clear the roadway. The scene was officially cleared at 8.50pm.

Authorities have not yet released the cause of the crash and investigations are expected to continue. The report is based on emergency services information available at the time and may be updated should further details emerge.