Four killed in horror R59 crash

Staff Writer / Thurs, 08 October 2026

Photo for illustration purposes only! Supplied

At least four people, including three children, were killed in a horror head-on collision on the R59 between Sasolburg and Vaalpark in the Free State.

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The crash happened at about 3.15pm on Thursday, 8 October, when a Volkswagen Caravelle school transport vehicle travelling from Vaalpark towards Sasolburg collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz truck travelling towards Vereeniging.

A 60-year-old man, believed to be the driver of the Caravelle, and three children aged between six and nine died at the scene.

The victims included one girl and two boys.

Free State police spokeswoman Sergeant Josephine Rani said another boy was airlifted to a hospital in Alberton after sustaining serious injuries.

“Three other children who sustained serious injuries were transported to local hospitals for medical attention,” Rani said.

The truck driver survived the crash.

Police opened a case of culpable homicide at the Sasolburg Police Station as they investigate what caused the deadly collision.

“The circumstances surrounding the collision are still under investigation,” Rani said.

The crash left emergency services dealing with the tragic loss of lives, while the injured children were rushed to hospital for treatment.

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