READ: Fatal Accident on N2 Near Beacon Bay Causes Partial Road Closure

East London, Eastern Cape – May 10, 2025

A fatal accident on the N2 road towards Beacon Bay has led to a partial road closure, disrupting traffic in the area. At approximately 4:00 PM SAST, a bakkie traveling towards Gonubie lost control and veered across the N2, resulting in a deadly collision. Police are on the scene, managing the situation and investigating the cause of the crash. Further details, including the number of casualties, are yet to be released as authorities continue their work. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and seek alternative routes to avoid delays.

The Eastern Cape, including the N2 corridor, has a troubling history of road fatalities, with reckless driving identified as a leading cause. In December 2024, Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha reported a surge in road deaths, citing reckless driving, speeding, and drunk driving as major contributors. A notable incident on the N2 outside Dutywa saw 11 fatalities in a head-on collision between a bakkie and a minibus taxi, highlighting the dangers of reckless behavior.

- Over the 2024-2025 festive season, the Eastern Cape recorded some of the highest road accident and fatality rates in South Africa, alongside KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

- In a single week in April 2025, the Western Cape, a neighboring region, reported 16 fatal crashes due to reckless driving, claiming 18 lives, indicating a broader regional challenge.

- On May 5, 2025, a head-on collision on the R63 in the Eastern Cape between a minibus taxi and a bakkie killed 15 people, with authorities noting that such incidents are often linked to driver negligence.

MEC Nqatha emphasized that many accidents are preventable, pointing to speeding and disregard for road rules as key factors. In response, authorities have intensified roadblocks and visibility to curb drunk driving, though adverse weather conditions have occasionally hampered these efforts. The N2, a critical route in the Eastern Cape, remains a hotspot for such incidents due to high traffic volumes and frequent reckless driving.

The partial closure of the N2 towards Beacon Bay is expected to cause significant delays. Motorists are urged to stay updated via local news and traffic reports and to drive cautiously in the affected area. Police are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

This tragic accident on the N2 underscores the ongoing road safety crisis in the Eastern Cape, where reckless driving continues to claim lives. Authorities and motorists alike are called to prioritize adherence to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life on this vital roadway.