Five Dead, Dozens Injured in N6 Bus and Car Collision

Five people have died and at least 60 others were injured following a serious head-on collision between a bus and a passenger vehicle on the N6 road between KuGompo (East London) and Stutterheim on Sunday night.

The crash occurred on 8 March 2026 when a bus carrying approximately 60 Zimbabwean nationals collided with a VW Polo travelling in the opposite direction.

Polo Trapped Under Bus

According to preliminary information, the bus was travelling towards Stutterheim when the collision occurred. The VW Polo, which had five occupants, became trapped underneath the bus after the impact.

Emergency services responded to the scene and transported injured passengers to nearby hospitals for medical treatment and further evaluation.

Authorities confirmed that five people lost their lives in the crash, while dozens of passengers sustained various injuries ranging from minor to serious.

Police Open Culpable Homicide Case

Law enforcement agencies have opened a case of culpable homicide and reckless driving at Stutterheim Police Station as investigations into the cause of the crash begin.

Officials said the exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation, including whether factors such as road conditions, speed, or driver actions played a role.

MEC Sends Condolences

Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the accident.

The MEC also wished those injured a speedy recovery and urged motorists to exercise caution on the province’s roads.

Nqatha called on drivers to obey traffic regulations and remain vigilant, particularly on busy national routes such as the N6, which connects several major towns in the Eastern Cape.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations continue.

Road crashes remain a major concern across South Africa, with officials repeatedly urging drivers to follow the rules of the road and remain alert, especially during night-time travel when visibility can be reduced.

The investigation into the N6 crash is ongoing.