Ten people died in a crash involving a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 between Standerton and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga on Thursday morning.
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison confirmed the deaths.
“Ten people were killed in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 between Standerton and Morgenzon,” departmental spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said.
The cause of the crash is not yet known.
“However, reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this stage. The accident occurred on Thursday morning, 21 May 2026,” Mmusi said.
He said an investigation into the crash was under way.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jacie Macie, sent condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Lekwa Local Municipality, Sifiso Mngemezulu expresses heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives and colleagues of the ten people who died in the crash.
Mngemezulu said according to reports received from the scene, nine people were declared dead on the scene and were all males, including the taxi driver and one female was declared dead on arrival at Standerton Hospital.
Four people that have sustained serious injuries were admitted to Standerton Hospital.
Mngemezulu wished the four injured people, including the bus driver and his co-driver, a speedy recovery.
The mayor extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
“It with heavy heart that I convey, on behalf of Lekwa Local Municipality and all our residents, our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the ten deceased people.
“We all mourn with the bereaved families, relatives and colleagues.
“I would like to remind all motorists travelling in our municipal area that, in winter we experience heavy mist that affects visibility in the early morning hours and therefore, must drive with extreme caution, reduced speed and headlights on,” Mngemezulu added.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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