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At least six people lost their lives in a tragic road accident last night following a T-bone collision between a sedan and a 22-seater minibus taxi on the R26 outside Mashaeng near Fouriesburg.
The accident occurred on Saturday, 3 January 2026, at approximately 23:50. It is alleged that a white Kia sedan with Free State registration was travelling from Mashaeng location towards Fouriesburg when the 21-year-old driver failed to stop at an intersection and collided with a white Mercedes-Benz 22-seater minibus taxi with Gauteng registration, travelling from Ficksburg to Pretoria.
Emergency services and law enforcement officials worked throughout the night to manage the scene and provide assistance to the injured.
The sedan had five occupants. Three people died at the scene, while two sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital.
The minibus taxi was carrying 22 occupants, including the driver. The driver and two passengers died at the scene. The remaining 19 occupants sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals in Bethlehem and Bohlokong for medical treatment.
The names of the deceased and injured will not be released until their next of kin have been formally informed and identification processes have been completed.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened for investigation.