CAPE TOWN, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Nine people were killed and eight others injured in a traffic accident in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa on Wednesday morning, local media reported.
According to media reports, the accident involving a minibus taxi and a passenger car occurred around 10:00 a.m. local time on the R61 road between Engcobo and Cofimvaba near Beyele Village in the Eastern Cape.
"The minibus taxi, carrying 16 occupants, was traveling from Ngcobo to the surrounding rural areas. The Toyota Avanza, with four occupants, was traveling from Cofimvaba. The two vehicles collided head-on," Provincial Transport Department Spokesperson Unathi Binqose was quoted as saying.
According to Binqose, all four occupants of the Toyota Avanza and five occupants of the minibus taxi were declared dead on the scene.
"This is a very devastating, very heartbreaking crash that claimed the lives of nine people," Binqose said. "The scene remains very active as emergency management services are on the scene trying to save survivors."
A pickup truck was also hit and damaged, but no injuries were reported among its occupants.
"The cause of the crash is still unknown at this stage and remains under investigation by the relevant authorities," the spokesperson said.
"The Eastern Cape Department of Transport and traffic authorities extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery," he added, urging motorists to remain extra vigilant and cautious. ■
