By Teboho Moloi
HARRISMITH – Eight people were killed in a horrific minibus taxi accident on the N3 highway between Van Reenen’s Pass and Montrose in the early hours of Thursday morning, 30 October 2025.
According to the Free State Department of Health, all eight victims were declared dead at the scene, and their bodies were transported to the Qwaqwa Forensic Pathology Services. Six other passengers sustained moderate injuries and were taken to Thebe District Hospital in Harrismith for treatment.
The cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed, but preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and overturned.
Emergency response teams, including the Road Incident Management System (RIMS), were dispatched to the scene and had to close the road completely for several hours to allow rescue and recovery operations.
Chairperson of RIMS, Mr. Sipho Towa, confirmed that the crash caused major traffic disruptions on the busy N3 route. Motorists travelling southbound were redirected through the R712 to Qwaqwa, Phuthaditjhaba, and Bergville, before reconnecting to the N3 via the R74 Oliviershoek Pass. Traffic from Estcourt was also rerouted through Bergville using the R616 and R74 alternative routes.
“The accident led to total closure of the N3 for several hours, and motorists were urged to exercise patience and follow the guidance of traffic management personnel,” said Towa.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.”
Free State Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi confirmed later on Thursday that autopsies had been completed, and administrative processes would be finalized once the families of the deceased arrived to identify their loved ones.
Meanwhile, in a separate accident on the same day, four people were killed in a collision involving two trucks and a light motor vehicle on the R59, just before the N1 off-ramp from Sasolburg. All four occupants of the smaller vehicle were declared dead at the scene.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain cautious and alert, especially during the high-traffic holiday season approaching.
