CAPE TOWN, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were killed and others seriously injured in a head-on collision in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, local authorities confirmed Sunday.

The accident occurred at approximately 8 p.m., local time, Saturday on the N2 road near Dutywa, a town in Mbhashe Local Municipality in the province.

According to Unathi Binqose, the spokesperson for the Provincial Transport Department, the crash involved a minibus taxi carrying 10 passengers and a bakkie -- a South African English term for a pickup truck -- with four occupants.

Of the bakkie's passengers, "three men died on the scene, while a female passenger suffered serious injuries," Binqose said.

"In the minibus taxi, eight people tragically lost their lives -- four men and four women. Two others were injured and rushed to hospital for medical attention," he said. "This is the second worst crash since the beginning of the festive season."

One injured woman in the minibus taxi later succumbed to her injuries and died in hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities on Eastern Cape roads Saturday alone to 23 from four separate accidents, confirmed the spokesperson.

This came just a few days after a head-on collision on the N9 road outside Graaff-Reinet, a town in the same province, claimed 15 lives Monday.

A culpable homicide case has been opened by police for further investigation.

Binqose also urged motorists to exercise extreme caution during the festive season to prevent further loss of life.

"There's a greater responsibility on drivers to be extra cautious and be patient with one another so we can avoid head-on collisions," he said. Enditem

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