The N6 near Reddersburg has been reopened to traffic following a serious motor vehicle accident on Thursday morning (2/4).  It is alleged that a light motor vehicle collided with a stationary trailer. 

Two people died in the accident, while one person was transported to Mediclinic Bloemfontein. Three people were treated for their injuries at the scene.

Free State emergency services advised motorists to check their vehicles before travelling this Easter weekend, to take regular breaks, and not to drink and drive.

“The N6 highway near Reddersburg, in the Xhariep district, is now open after one lane was closed this morning,” said Free State EMS provincial manager Sidney Dywili.

“We urge all motorists not to text and drive, to follow speed limits, and to be cautious on wet roads. We offer our condolences to all affected families.”

Traffic volumes are expected to surge in key corridors. Officials are urging road users to plan routes, avoid peak travel times, and prioritise safety at all times.

High-risk routes, including the N1, N2, N3, and N4, will see intensified policing through mobile and static checkpoints, supported by the national traffic police. Authorities will also target pedestrian behaviour, particularly along highways, where pedestrians account for nearly half of all road deaths.

For the Easter period, authorities have reaffirmed the campaign theme, “It begins with me”, calling for personal accountability as more than 80% of crashes are attributed to human behaviour.

Community safety, roads, and transport MEC Jabu Mbalula officially launched the 2026 Easter road safety campaign in Botshabelo on Tuesday (31/3), marking the start of heightened efforts to curb road crashes during one of South Africa’s busiest travel periods.

The campaign focuses on raising awareness about responsible road use as traffic volumes increase over the Easter holidays. It includes intensified law enforcement operations, roadblocks, and collaboration among various stakeholders to promote safer driving behaviour.

“We will also be drawing the road management cooperation police into some of our roads, especially from the northern part of the Free State, looking at roads like the N1, N3, N8, and the N6,” said Mbalula.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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