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5 December 2025
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Five killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the N10 between Cookhouse and Gqeberha
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On Sunday, 30 November 2025, a devastating multi-vehicle collision on the N10 national route between Cookhouse and Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape claimed the lives of five people and left others injured in what authorities have described as a tragic reminder of the ongoing road safety challenges facing South African motorists. The collision occurred mid-day on a remote stretch of the N10, a major freight and passenger route connecting the interior of the Eastern Cape with the coastal city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). The crash involved at least three vehicles, two heavy trucks (interlinks) and a bakkie, which collided under circumstances that are still being investigated by authorities.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, but the remote location of the crash site and poor mobile network coverage significantly hampered early communications and coordination. Officials noted that these factors contributed to delays in verifying and relaying information from the site to command centres.
Casualties and injuries
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, a total of five people died in the crash, comprising two males and three females. Two additional victims survived the initial impact and were transported to Andries Vosloo Hospital for medical treatment. Their conditions were reported as serious but stable in early updates.
The identities of the victims have not been publicly released, as formal notification of next of kin and ongoing investigations were still underway at the time of reporting.
Road closure and traffic disruption
The severity of the collision forced authorities to temporarily close the N10 in both directions while rescue teams worked to clear the wreckage and tend to the injured. Traffic was diverted around the scene, leading to delays for motorists travelling between the interior and the coast.
By later reports, the road had been reopened to traffic, but authorities warned drivers to remain cautious, as debris and damaged vehicles were still being removed from the roadway.
Legal and investigative response
In the aftermath of the crash, a culpable homicide case was opened by the Cookhouse SAPS, signalling that investigators were exploring whether negligence, reckless driving, vehicle fitness issues, or other factors may have contributed to the collision.
The South African Police Service and transport inspectors have been collecting evidence at the scene, including statements from surviving drivers and eyewitnesses and are expected to release more information as the investigation progresses.
Sources: Arrive Alive, PE Express, NovaNews
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, but the remote location of the crash site and poor mobile network coverage significantly hampered early communications and coordination. Officials noted that these factors contributed to delays in verifying and relaying information from the site to command centres.
Casualties and injuries
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, a total of five people died in the crash, comprising two males and three females. Two additional victims survived the initial impact and were transported to Andries Vosloo Hospital for medical treatment. Their conditions were reported as serious but stable in early updates.
The identities of the victims have not been publicly released, as formal notification of next of kin and ongoing investigations were still underway at the time of reporting.
Road closure and traffic disruption
The severity of the collision forced authorities to temporarily close the N10 in both directions while rescue teams worked to clear the wreckage and tend to the injured. Traffic was diverted around the scene, leading to delays for motorists travelling between the interior and the coast.
By later reports, the road had been reopened to traffic, but authorities warned drivers to remain cautious, as debris and damaged vehicles were still being removed from the roadway.
Legal and investigative response
In the aftermath of the crash, a culpable homicide case was opened by the Cookhouse SAPS, signalling that investigators were exploring whether negligence, reckless driving, vehicle fitness issues, or other factors may have contributed to the collision.
The South African Police Service and transport inspectors have been collecting evidence at the scene, including statements from surviving drivers and eyewitnesses and are expected to release more information as the investigation progresses.
Sources: Arrive Alive, PE Express, NovaNews