MPUMALANGA – Nine people have lost their lives and three others sustained injuries following a horrific head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 road.

The fatal crash occurred on the route between Standerton and Morgenzon. Eight passengers were declared dead at the crash site, while a ninth victim succumbed to severe injuries while being transported to a nearby hospital. One occupant sustained critical injuries, and two others escaped with minor injuries.

According to Moeti Mmusi, the provincial spokesperson for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, a formal investigation into the exact cause of the accident is underway, though authorities strongly suspect reckless and negligent driving.