Three members of a family killed in head-on crash on N10 near Tarkastad

Three people who were travelling in a BMW died after a head-on collision with a truck on the N10 near Tarkastad in the early hours of Thursday, authorities said.

What happened

Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the collision occurred at approximately 2:30am. The deceased were a male, a female and a child; all were occupants of the BMW. The truck driver escaped unharmed.

“The circumstances surrounding the crash are subject to investigation. A case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Tarkastad Police Station,”

Investigation and official response

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Authorities said the cause of the collision is under investigation.

Wider context

The department’s statement noted the crash comes amid a recent spate of deadly road accidents nationally. The article referenced a collision last week on the N17 near the Ermelo Toll Plaza in Mpumalanga that killed at least eight people, and another crash earlier in the week on the N1 between Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert that claimed 21 lives.

Police in Tarkastad have opened a culpable homicide case as investigations continue.