Six people have now been confirmed dead following a devastating head-on collision between a bakkie and an SUV on the N4 highway, between Belfast and Machadodorp in Mpumalanga.
According to provincial authorities, one of the victims who was injured in the crash later died from their wounds while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Belfast.
Initially, five fatalities were reported, along with three people who suffered serious injuries. Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene immediately after the accident occurred.
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Officials believe the collision may have been caused by poor visibility and slippery roads due to heavy rainfall in the area. Motorists were urged to be extra cautious, follow road regulations, and adjust their driving to match the dangerous weather conditions.
The accident comes as traffic is expected to increase significantly across South Africa with people travelling for the Easter weekend — a time historically associated with a high number of road accidents due to increased volumes of vehicles on major routes.
Authorities are calling on drivers to remain patient and alert, especially on high-risk roads like the N1, N3, and N4, which are often congested during holiday periods.
