13-Year-Old Boy Escapes Burning Vehicle As R67 Collision in Eastern Cape Claims 3 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
Source: Facebook
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 that 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.
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.
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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 car 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.
Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide and are investigating the cause of the crash.
South Africans weigh in on the accident
Social media users weighed in on the accident, sharing mixed reactions to the latest fatal accident over the Easter period.
Christopher Mark V Lowe urged:
“Easter carnage. Slow down.”
TK Seunane agreed:
“Relax on the road. Speed kills.”
Vuyolonke Vidge Badi added:
“That road is dangerous on any given day.”
Mushavhi Ishe exclaimed:
“Jesus. The boy, I weep for him.”
Samuel Simanga Masina stated:
“If only we could respect the law.”
Michèle Hettema exclaimed:
"Tragic. When will people realise that driving a vehicle takes care and responsibility?"
Other stories about accidents in the Eastern Cape
Briefly News reported that there have been several fatal accidents in the Eastern Cape over the past few months.
- Nine people died in a terrible accident involving multiple vehicles in the Eastern Cape one day before the start of 2026.
- Seven people died in a multi-vehicle crash on the N2 near Bulembu Airport outside Qonce in the Eastern Cape in February 2026.
- Arrive Alive's CEO discussed accident prevention after six people were killed in a head-on collision in March 2026.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
