Multiple injuries and one fatality were reported following the accident between a Free State EMS patient transport and a car on Thursday morning (9/4). Emergency services were alerted at around 08:15.

Upon arrival, responders found a health patient transport vehicle, which had been ferrying patients from Ficksburg, had collided with a light motor vehicle.

“Preliminary information indicates the driver of the light motor vehicle lost control after experiencing a tyre burst, leading to the crash,” said Free State EMS acting manager Sidney Dywili.

“A total of two patients were trapped, and the Mangaung fire and rescue team carried out extrication using the jaws of life. One patient was unfortunately declared dead on scene.”

Patients were transported to the Pelonomi trauma unit and to the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein for medical treatment. Law enforcement agencies were still on the scene at midday, carrying out investigations, he said.

Traffic flow has been affected, with one westbound lane closed to vehicles. Road users travelling along the N8 are advised to approach the area with caution and to expect delays.

The incident comes at a time when transport authorities have just intensified road safety efforts ahead of the busy Easter travel period.

The provincial government recently launched its 2026 Easter road safety campaign in Botshabelo, aimed at reducing road fatalities through heightened law enforcement and public awareness.

Officials say collaboration between traffic authorities and law enforcement agencies will be key in ensuring safer roads during this period.

The N8 between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo is known for its fatal accidents; the recent accident included a police bakkie and a security company bakkie in March.

A total of eight people were injured in the head-on collision, this included two police officers and six people from a security company.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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