Police are investigating the cause of a fatal collision involving a bus and a car on the N6 between KuGompo, formerly East London, and Stutterheim.
The crash occurred on Sunday night, leaving five people dead and about 60 others injured.
According to authorities, the bus was transporting around 60 Zimbabwean nationals and was travelling towards Stutterheim at the time of the incident. The car involved in the crash had five occupants.
Emergency responders found the vehicle trapped underneath the bus, and rescue teams used the jaws of life to retrieve the bodies of those who died in the car.
Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, Makhaya Komisa, said investigations are under way to determine the exact cause of the crash.
“The main cause of the crash will be subjected to further investigation by various law enforcement agencies. A case of culpable homicide and reckless driving has been opened at Stutterheim police station,” Komisa said.
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery. He also urged motorists to adhere to road safety rules to help prevent similar tragedies.