Update: Six, including three children, killed in accident

Six people believed to be members of a single family, including three children, were killed this morning when a vehicle they were travelling in lost control and overturned on the N2 outside Grahamstown.

Two women survived the crash with one fighting for her life at Settler's Hospital in Grahamstown, said Grahamstown police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender.  

Govender said the three minors and three men were killed instantly when the silver Opel SUV lost control on a sharp curve and overturned. Govender said there were eight occupants in the vehicle.   

The accident happened after 7am near the famous roadside guesthouse Stone Crescent Hotel12km outside Grahamstown. Eastern Cape  department of transport spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie said the eight occupants of the vehicle are believed to be family members who were driving together from an Easter break from their home in Mdantsane and were bound for Cape Town where they were staying as migrant workers.

Emergency services personnel are still busy on the scene of the crash. The cause of the crash is not yet known at this stage, said Rantjie.

The silver car was carrying a trailer.  

Govender said:  “A case of culpable homicide is being investigated following an accident on the N2 passed Grahamstown toward  Port Elizabeth this morning. Two other persons (females) are receiving medical treatment at a local hospital one of whom is in a critical condition.”

Govender said the cause of the accident is not known and will form part of the police investigation. Grahamstown police cluster commander Brigadier David Kanuka has expressed his condolences to the family of the victims. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Senior officers from the SAPS are at the scene. We will provide whatever support that is needed to the family following this horrific incident.

Govender said top police investigators and specialists were at the scene which had been declared a disaster.

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