13-Year-Old Boy Escapes Burning Vehicle As R67 Collision in Eastern Cape Claims Three Lives

• A horrific crash in the Eastern Cape left three people dead after a sedan and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) collided
• The accident, which occurred approximately at 1 am on 3 April 2026, took place on the R67 between Seymour and Whittlesea
• Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, praised the bravery of a youngster who escaped the SUV

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

EASTERN CAPE – A 13-year-old boy is the sole survivor of a horrific accident which claimed the lives of three people on the R67 between Seymour and Whittlesea.

The youngster survived the fatal crash between a sedan and a sport utility vehicle (SUV), which resulted in the SUV catching fire. The accident occurred at approximately 1 am on 3 April 2026, as Good Friday got off to a bad note in the Eastern Cape.

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Youngster escapes burning vehicle

According to Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose, three people were travelling in the SUV, while there was just the driver in the sedan.

The driver of the sedan succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased at the scene, while two occupants of the SUV tragically burned in the vehicle. The 13-year-old managed to escape the burning SUV and was rushed to Frontier Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Youngster’s bravery praised by Transport MEC

While extending condolences to the families of those who passed on, Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, also praised the youngster for quick-thinking actions.

"We also commend the bravery of the young boy who managed to escape the burning vehicle, and we wish him strength and a full recovery," MEC Nqatha said.

*This is a developing story, and more information will be published as it becomes available.

Source: Briefly News