Drunk Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash in Ekurhuleni Kills Child and Driver

A 30-year-vintage man is in custody following a head-on collision in Ekurhuleni, South Africa, on Friday, March 20, 2026, that resulted in the deaths of an 11-year-old girl and the driver of a Toyota Avanza. The driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

Details of the Incident

The accident occurred at the intersection of Olifantsfontein Road and South View, involving a grey Audi and a Toyota Avanza. According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the Audi driver collided head-on with the Avanza.

EMPD spokesperson Thabiso Makgato stated that officers responded to the scene and found that the driver of the Audi had an alcohol reading of 0.64. The driver of the Avanza and a young girl, between the ages of ten and eleven, died at the scene due to their injuries.

Injuries and Hospitalization

A 16-year-old female passenger in the Avanza sustained serious injuries and was transported to Thembisa Tertiary Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Her current condition is unknown.

Charges Filed

The 30-year-old Audi driver has been arrested and will face charges including driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless and negligent driving, culpable homicide, and fleeing the scene of the accident.

Road Safety Campaign Launch

The incident comes as Transport Minister Barbara Creecy prepares to launch the 2026 Easter Road Safety Campaign on Friday, aiming to improve road safety during the upcoming holiday period. This campaign is a response to concerns about increased traffic volumes and potential accidents during the Easter break.

In 2025, fatalities during the Easter period decreased by 45.6% compared to 2024, a result Creecy attributed to consistent law enforcement and collaboration with civil society.

Source: The Citizen, Ground.News, Prime Time News