Police were summoned to the accident scene at approximately 14:30, where they found a Mahindra bakkie, Renault Kwid and Toyota Starlet allegedly involved in the collision, said Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana.

The two occupants of the white Renault Kwid, a male driver, 45, and a female passenger, 19, were declared dead at the scene by emergency medical services personnel. Two men in the Mahindra sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for medical treatment. The two women who were traveling in the Toyota Starlet did not sustain any injuries, said Thabana.

The circumstances leading to the collision remain unclear and form part of the ongoing police investigation. A case of culpable homicide has been registered at Virginia for further investigation.

Sipho Towa, the Free State provincial chairperson of the Road Incident Management System, said the road had been closed to allow recovery operations to take place. Road users were urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes. However, the road is now open for traffic.

Three weeks ago, African Congress for Transformation members Molahlehi Mokone, Mukile Luka and Josephine Mbatha died in a collision on the same road. The three were travelling from a rally in Welkom to Sasolburg when the fatal crash occurred. 

Luka was the party’s Ward 6 councillor candidate in Metsimaholo and had committed herself to serving her community through public office.

The latest fatalities come as the Free State launched its Transport Month campaign last week, highlighting the role of transport in driving economic growth, social development, road safety and improved mobility.

The campaign aims to promote responsible road-user behaviour, roadworthy vehicles and reliable public transport, while strengthening partnerships between government, industry, educational institutions and communities.

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