A series of fatal collisions unfolded within hours of each other has led to renewed calls for caution. Officials warn the province cannot continue to bury residents due to preventable crashes.

The latest incident occurred just after midnight on Monday (17/11) when two light motor vehicles collided head-on on the N8 near Sannaspos, between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo.  

Three people were declared dead on the scene, one moderately injured, and two with minor injuries, confirmed Free State road incident management systems chairperson Sipho Towa.

The injured were transported to Botshabelo hospital.

Towa expressed sympathy for the families of the victims. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those involved in this tragic accident. The road has been cleared and traffic flow is normal.”

A minibus taxi collided with a light motor vehicle on the R26 near Vanstadensrus. Photo: Facebook

The Sannaspos crash came on the heels of another incident early Sunday morning on the R26, about 4 km from Vanstadensrus, where a minibus and a light motor vehicle collided, leaving three people dead and twelve injured. Emergency services were activated at around 05:30.

But it was Saturday morning’s crash, described by officials as one of the worst in recent memory, that plunged countless families into grief. 

At around 06:35, a bus transporting workers collided with a truck on the N8 near the RRR farming area between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo.

Accident on the N8 between Botshabelo and Bloemfontein. Photo: Facebook

Ten passengers were declared dead on the scene, and another succumbed in the hospital, bringing the death toll to eleven.

Free State premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and transport MEC Jabu Mbalula visited survivors at Pelonomi hospital that evening, describing the devastation as “overwhelming”.

Among the survivors was Polelo Mahloane, who was travelling to work in Bloemfontein. Speaking from his hospital bed, where he faces the amputation of his leg, Mahloane recounted the terrifying moments before impact.

“I was sitting on the front seat and saw everything. As we approached the truck, I was wondering if the driver was able to see it.

“By the time I yelled out to her to be careful, it was too late. The impact was severe, and the pain excruciating. It could have been worse. 

“I saw some of the passengers lying on the ground dead, and I was fortunate to have survived. I am thankful that my life was spared.”

Another survivor, Nozipho Nhlathi, who sustained a broken leg, described the chaos and horror of the scene. 

“I saw dead people around me. It was horrible, and I am happy that my life was saved.”

Premier Letsoha-Mathae echoed the province’s collective shock, saying the N8 crash was one of the worst she has seen in a while. She urged motorists, public transport operators, and freight companies to exercise heightened caution, especially as traffic volumes increase toward the festive season.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh