Ten people died in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 Road between Standerton and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga on the morning of 21 May 2026, the provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has confirmed.
All ten deceased were occupants of the minibus taxi, including the driver. Eight people died at the scene, one died while being transported to hospital, and a tenth person passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Standerton.
Misty road conditions
The crash occurred at around 05:15. According to the department, the taxi was travelling from Morgenzon to Standerton, while the bus was travelling in the opposite direction. The bus driver sustained minor injuries and one passenger in the bus escaped unharmed.
“Reports indicate that the road was misty at the time of the crash, which may have reduced visibility,” said departmental spokesperson Moeti Mmusi. “The cause of the crash is under investigation. Reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this stage.”
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. An investigation into the collision is under way.
Source: SAnews / Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
