Ten people lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision involving a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 road between Standerton and Morgenzon in the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the crash occurred at about 05:15. All ten victims were occupants of the minibus taxi, including the driver.

Emergency services reported that eight people died at the scene, while one victim succumbed to injuries while being transported to the hospital. Another later died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Standerton.

Preliminary reports indicate that the taxi was travelling from Morgenzon towards Standerton, while the bus was travelling in the opposite direction. The bus driver sustained minor injuries and one passenger on board escaped unharmed.

Authorities said misty conditions were reported in the area at the time of the collision, which may have affected visibility for motorists.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials have not ruled out reckless or negligent driving as a possible contributing factor.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie expressed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

The tragedy once again highlights ongoing concerns about road safety as winter conditions begin to affect visibility on many of the province’s roads.