Three Lives Lost and Six Hurt in Tragic N2 Butterworth Crash

**Tragic Accident Claims Lives**

On Monday, three people lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision on the N2 near Butterworth, Eastern Cape. The accident involved a bakkie and a seven-seater vehicle, as confirmed by the Eastern Cape Department of Transport.

Unathi Binqose, the department’s spokesperson, revealed that the deceased included the driver of the seven-seater Toyota vehicle, a male passenger, and a four-year-old boy. Six other individuals sustained injuries in the crash, including the driver and passenger of the bakkie, who were rushed to a nearby hospital with severe injuries.

#### **Legal Proceedings Underway**
The Butterworth police have opened a case of culpable homicide in connection with the tragic accident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision to establish the events leading to the loss of lives.

**Condolences and Calls for Road Safety**
MEC Xolile Nqata extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery. In his statement, Nqata also emphasized the importance of adhering to road safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

“Road users must always obey traffic rules and drive cautiously to avoid incidents like head-on collisions,” Binqose quoted Nqata as saying.

#### **Rising Concern Over Road Accidents**
The Butterworth crash is the latest in a series of fatal road accidents reported across South Africa. Earlier, eight people lost their lives, and 22 others were injured in a bus accident, while another recent crash on the N1 claimed ten lives.

These incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased public awareness about safe driving practices.

#### **Appeals for Caution**
Authorities have urged drivers to remain vigilant, particularly during the holiday season when roads tend to be busier. The government continues to advocate for road safety campaigns and stricter penalties for traffic violations to mitigate the alarming rise in accidents.

The Butterworth tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of road accidents, underscoring the need for collective efforts to ensure safer roads for all.