Komani, South Africa – November 26, 2025 – A tragic head-on crash on the N6 highway at the foot of Penhoek Pass has resulted in one fatality and 32 injuries, according to emergency services reports.
The incident occurred at approximately 22:30 on Wednesday evening, involving a Greyhound bus and a Volkswagen Tiago. The collision took place between Komani and Jamestown, a notoriously winding and steep section of the route known for challenging driving conditions.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly to the scene, where they found the driver of the VW Tiago trapped inside the vehicle. Despite efforts to extricate and stabilize the individual, the driver succumbed to injuries on site. Among the 32 injured parties, one passenger was classified as critical and transported to Frontier Hospital in Komani for urgent medical attention. The remaining 31 individuals received on-scene assessments from paramedics but declined further transportation to medical facilities.
Authorities, including local traffic officials, have initiated an investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash. Preliminary details indicate the vehicles collided directly, but no additional factors such as weather or road conditions have been confirmed at this stage.
The N6 highway, a vital artery connecting the Eastern Cape’s interior regions, was temporarily closed in both directions following the accident to facilitate rescue operations and vehicle recovery. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes, with partial reopening expected after initial clearance efforts.
This event underscores the ongoing safety concerns along Penhoek Pass, a 10-kilometer stretch that ascends over 800 meters in elevation, contributing to its history of vehicular incidents. Emergency services coordinated the response, involving multiple units to manage the multi-vehicle nature of the crash and ensure all passengers were accounted for.
Further updates on the investigation and the condition of the hospitalized patient are anticipated as information becomes available from official channels.
