{
  "id": 17417891,
  "title": "EC motorists warned to exercise caution after 18 deaths in crashes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/ec-motorists-warned-to-exercise-caution-after-18-deaths-in-crashes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T14:34:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/ec-motorists-warned-to-exercise-caution-after-18-deaths-in-crashes/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the Eastern Cape, 18 people have tragically lost their lives in three separate road accidents over the past week, prompting authorities to warn motorists to be extra cautious. The most recent incident occurred on Saturday morning when a truck carrying approximately 30 passengers overturned at Mcetheni Location in Bizana, resulting in six fatalities. The victims were on their way to a traditional ceremony from Mswakazi in the Port St Johns area when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle on a gravel road. Provincial Transport Spokesperson Unathi Binqose reported that several injured passengers were transported to Holy Cross Provincial Hospital in Flagstaff. Binqose expressed deep sorrow over the loss of 18 lives in just seven days, with six more families now mourning the sudden death of their loved ones. Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Mr Xolile Nqatha, has offered his condolences to the affected families and urged those in hospital to recover fully. A plea has been made to motorists, especially, to exercise greater vigilance on the roads in order to prevent further tragedies.",
  "summary": "Binqose says several injured passengers were taken to Holy Cross Provincial Hospital in Flagstaff.",
  "key_points": [
    "18 people died in three road accidents in Eastern Cape over a week.",
    "Truck accident on Saturday killed six passengers heading to a ceremony.",
    "Authorities warn motorists to be extra cautious on the roads."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}