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24 October 2025
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Six killed, eight injured in head-on collision on R540 near Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
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A devastating head-on collision between a GWM SUV and a minibus taxi on the R540 road near Dullstroom in Mpumalanga claimed the lives of six people on Sunday afternoon, 26 October 2025. The tragic incident, which has left the community in shock, adds to a deadly weekend on the province’s roads, where a separate crash the day before killed four others. Authorities are urging motorists to exercise greater caution as investigations into both accidents continue. The accident occurred on the R540 between Dullstroom and Lydenburg when the minibus taxi and SUV collided. All six fatalities were passengers in the taxi and were pronounced dead at the scene. Mpumalanga Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi confirmed the details, stating that the victims perished instantly in the impact.
“Eight people were seriously injured and they include seven passengers and the driver of the SUV. The driver of the taxi was slightly injured. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the nearby hospital in Belfast,” Mmusi said.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they found the wreckage of the vehicles. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but preliminary reports suggest it was a head-on collision. Traffic was disrupted for hours as authorities cleared the road and conducted initial investigations.
This incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in Mpumalanga, where poor driving habits and high speeds on rural roads often lead to fatal outcomes. The R540, a key route linking Dullstroom and Lydenburg, has seen several accidents in recent years due to its winding paths and heavy traffic from tourists and locals.
MEC Jackie Macie calls for responsible driving
In response to the tragedy, Community Safety MEC Jackie Macie reiterated a call for motorists to drive with greater caution and heightened alertness. He expressed deep concern over the rising number of preventable road fatalities in the province. “We remain deeply concerned by the number of fatalities caused by road crashes that could be avoided with more responsible driving. Motorists should always be mindful that their mistakes while driving, could be devastating not only for them but for other road users,” Macie said.
He noted the unfortunate timing during October Transport Month, which focuses on safe transportation of goods and people. Despite awareness campaigns, lives continue to be lost in such crashes. Macie emphasised that change must come from motorists themselves, who play a vital role in making roads safer.
His statement aligns with broader provincial efforts to reduce road deaths through education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. Mpumalanga has implemented stricter patrols and awareness drives, but incidents like this underscore the need for more action.
Separate crash claims four lives near Loskop Dam
The Dullstroom accident follows another fatal crash on Saturday, 25 October 2025, on the N12 near the Loskop Dam between Middelburg and the dam. Four people, including a child, were killed when a Toyota Avanza lost control and overturned.
Three others were injured in the incident and received medical treatment. Authorities are probing reckless driving as a possible cause, with investigations underway to determine the exact circumstances.
The Avanza was travelling along the N12 when it veered off the road and rolled over, trapping occupants inside. Emergency responders worked to extricate the victims but the four fatalities were confirmed at the scene. This stretch of the N12 is known for its scenic but challenging terrain, with sharp curves and potential for high-speed accidents.
Together, the two crashes claimed ten lives over the weekend, raising alarms about road safety in Mpumalanga. The province has recorded a high number of fatalities this year, often linked to speeding, overtaking in unsafe conditions, and vehicle overload.
Ongoing investigations and road safety measures
Investigations into both incidents are in progress, with police examining factors like vehicle conditions, driver behaviour, and road factors. Forensic teams are collecting evidence, and witnesses are being interviewed to piece together what happened.
Mpumalanga authorities have stepped up efforts to combat road carnage, including increased checkpoints and public education campaigns. However, experts call for more investment in road infrastructure, such as better signage, barriers, and maintenance to prevent such tragedies.
Source: Central News
“Eight people were seriously injured and they include seven passengers and the driver of the SUV. The driver of the taxi was slightly injured. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the nearby hospital in Belfast,” Mmusi said.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they found the wreckage of the vehicles. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but preliminary reports suggest it was a head-on collision. Traffic was disrupted for hours as authorities cleared the road and conducted initial investigations.
This incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in Mpumalanga, where poor driving habits and high speeds on rural roads often lead to fatal outcomes. The R540, a key route linking Dullstroom and Lydenburg, has seen several accidents in recent years due to its winding paths and heavy traffic from tourists and locals.
MEC Jackie Macie calls for responsible driving
In response to the tragedy, Community Safety MEC Jackie Macie reiterated a call for motorists to drive with greater caution and heightened alertness. He expressed deep concern over the rising number of preventable road fatalities in the province. “We remain deeply concerned by the number of fatalities caused by road crashes that could be avoided with more responsible driving. Motorists should always be mindful that their mistakes while driving, could be devastating not only for them but for other road users,” Macie said.
He noted the unfortunate timing during October Transport Month, which focuses on safe transportation of goods and people. Despite awareness campaigns, lives continue to be lost in such crashes. Macie emphasised that change must come from motorists themselves, who play a vital role in making roads safer.
His statement aligns with broader provincial efforts to reduce road deaths through education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. Mpumalanga has implemented stricter patrols and awareness drives, but incidents like this underscore the need for more action.
Separate crash claims four lives near Loskop Dam
The Dullstroom accident follows another fatal crash on Saturday, 25 October 2025, on the N12 near the Loskop Dam between Middelburg and the dam. Four people, including a child, were killed when a Toyota Avanza lost control and overturned.
Three others were injured in the incident and received medical treatment. Authorities are probing reckless driving as a possible cause, with investigations underway to determine the exact circumstances.
The Avanza was travelling along the N12 when it veered off the road and rolled over, trapping occupants inside. Emergency responders worked to extricate the victims but the four fatalities were confirmed at the scene. This stretch of the N12 is known for its scenic but challenging terrain, with sharp curves and potential for high-speed accidents.
Together, the two crashes claimed ten lives over the weekend, raising alarms about road safety in Mpumalanga. The province has recorded a high number of fatalities this year, often linked to speeding, overtaking in unsafe conditions, and vehicle overload.
Ongoing investigations and road safety measures
Investigations into both incidents are in progress, with police examining factors like vehicle conditions, driver behaviour, and road factors. Forensic teams are collecting evidence, and witnesses are being interviewed to piece together what happened.
Mpumalanga authorities have stepped up efforts to combat road carnage, including increased checkpoints and public education campaigns. However, experts call for more investment in road infrastructure, such as better signage, barriers, and maintenance to prevent such tragedies.
Source: Central News