Four Killed in R61 Head-On Collision Between Komani and Tarkastad

Tragedy struck on the R61 between Komani and Tarkastad on Friday evening, September 11, 2026, when a devastating head-on collision claimed the lives of four people.

The violent crash occurred at approximately 19:20 along the R61 between Komani and Tarkastad. Emergency services, including local traffic authorities and the South African Police Service (SAPS), rushed to the scene following urgent calls logged with the emergency call centre.

Multiple Fatalities and Entrapment

According to emergency medical services (EMS) triage teams on the scene, four people—comprising three males and one female—sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead on arrival (DOAs).

Rescue personnel had to use specialised equipment to free victims trapped inside the wreckage.

Coordinated Emergency Response

A heavy multi-agency response was mobilised to manage the chaotic scene and secure the roadway. Ambulances and response vehicles from the provincial health department, alongside local traffic police and SAPS units, worked through the evening to manage traffic flow and assist victims.

Motorists traveling along the R61 route are continually urged to exercise extreme caution, especially during evening hours.