At least 14 people died and at least three others were injured when two minibus taxis collided head-on along the R57 outside Reitz in the Free State on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said one minibus was on its way to Gauteng from Ficksburg, while the other was traveling from Gauteng to Fouriesburg, when they collided at about 1:00.
The drivers of the two taxis were among those who died at the scene.
The provincial Department of Roads and Transport thirteen people died on the scene.
"It is alleged that the Toyota Quantum was overtaking another vehicle and collided head-on with the Crafter travelling from the direction of Reitz. Thirteen people – seven females and six males – were declared dead on the scene. Four people were transported to the Nketoana and Dihlabeng hospitals where another female succumbed to her injuries."
Four passengers who suffered serious injuries were taken to Dihlabeng and Nketoana hospitals for treatment.
"The names of the deceased are unknown at this stage. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated," said Makhele.
SADDENED BY TRAGIC CRASH IN FREE STATE
— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) December 18, 2021
In the early hours of this morning, 18 December 2021, 14 people lost their lives while 3 people sustained serious injuries and 1 sustained minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/LGwcNByfzJ