The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has confirmed that the submerged vehicle involved in a fatal accident in Addo has now been recovered from the water, with two bodies found inside while search operations continue for a third missing occupant.
According to Eastern Cape Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose, emergency teams recovered the vehicle following an intensive operation involving police divers and rescue personnel.
“Sadly, two bodies have been recovered from the vehicle, while one person remains missing. Search and recovery operations are continuing,” said Binqose.
He added that additional resources would be deployed to assist with the ongoing search once emergency personnel complete the necessary procedures at the scene.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 02h30 on Saturday morning when a light motor vehicle carrying five occupants veered off a farm road in Addo and plunged down an embankment into a body of water.
According to the two surviving occupants, both foreign nationals, they managed to escape from the vehicle before it became fully submerged. The remaining three occupants were trapped inside the vehicle as it disappeared beneath the water.
Meanwhile, the Department has also expressed concern over another serious accident that occurred on the R56 between Ugie and Elliot earlier the same morning.
The head-on collision, involving a bakkie and a sedan at around 01h30, claimed the life of one adult male while six other people sustained injuries.
“The deceased was certified dead upon arrival at Ugie SAPS, while the injured victims were transported to medical facilities for treatment,” said Binqose.
Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide and investigations into the cause of the collision are underway.
Binqose conveyed the Department’s condolences to the affected families and appealed to motorists to exercise caution, particularly during night-time travel and adverse weather conditions.
“As recovery efforts continue in Addo and investigations proceed in both incidents, the Department once again urges motorists to drive responsibly and remain vigilant on the roads,” he said.
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