Mbombela (Nelspruit) – A multiple vehicle crash along the N4 in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, involving a truck and two minibus taxis left four people dead.
Three of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition in the deadly crash that occurred this morning, Thursday, 23 July 2026.
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, said that the truck was travelling from Johannesburg to Mbombela when it crashed.
“The crash occurred when a truck collided with the rear of a minibus taxi towing a trailer that was travelling in front of it,” explained Mmusi.
“According to preliminary reports, the truck driver seemingly lost control, swerved into the oncoming lane, and collided with another minibus taxi travelling from the direction of Mbombela.”
One of the minibus taxis caught alight. Three people were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno.
Mmusi said: “The fourth victim was found on the road, and it is not yet clear in which vehicle the person was travelling in.
“It is suspected he may have flung out of the involved vehicles on impact,”
Emer-G-Med, whose paramedics were on the scene, said: “Preliminary reports indicate a coal-carrying truck was involved in a collision with two minibus taxis, with one vehicle subsequently catching fire.”
“Multiple patients sustained critical injuries, and Emer-G-Med regrets to confirm there were fatalities on scene.
“Our crews worked alongside the South African Police Service, local fire and rescue services, and other emergency medical providers to stabilise and transport surviving patients to hospital.”
