A deadly collision between a minibus taxi and a Ford Ranger bakkie on the R40 near Kapama in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, has left 13 people dead. The crash caused both vehicles to catch fire, trapping and killing all occupants. Emergency services reported that 10 taxi passengers and three bakkie occupants died at the scene, with the bodies severely burned.
The accident has shocked the local community and raised further concerns about road safety in South Africa. Minibus taxis and bakkies, commonly used for transport and deliveries, are frequently involved in fatal crashes due to overloading, poor maintenance, and reckless driving.
This is the latest in a string of deadly accidents on major roads. Earlier this year, seven people died when a minibus overturned on the N3 between Villiers and Heidelberg. Another crash on the R40 in Rocky Drift left 14 injured, while a head-on collision in Mpumalanga killed three and injured 11.
Transport experts and the public are calling for urgent government action, including stricter law enforcement, regular vehicle checks, and better driver training. As investigations into the Limpopo crash continue, families mourn the victims, and the country waits for solutions to prevent more tragedies.