How Did an Ambulance Roll Down an Embankment on South Africa's R61?

Quick answer: An Eastern Cape health department ambulance rolled several times and plunged down a steep embankment along the R61 outside Port St Johns, South Africa, on 12 October 2026, trapping the patients inside.

What happened

The ambulance was travelling on the R61 in the direction of Port St Johns from Mthatha when it left the road, rolled several times and came to rest down a steep embankment, according to Briefly News, which cited Newzroom Afrika.

Emergency personnel descended the slope using ropes to retrieve those trapped. Three patients on the ground were being attended to by emergency personnel, one with a drip, while rescue workers continued working to reach up to three more people believed to be trapped inside the vehicle.

The road

• The R61 between Mthatha and Port St Johns is widely regarded as a hazardous stretch of road.

Frequently asked questions

Where did the ambulance crash happen?

Along the R61 between Mthatha and Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

When did the incident take place?

On 12 October 2026, according to Briefly News.

Were there any fatalities?

No deaths had been confirmed at the time of reporting; the report described patients being rescued and attended to.

How many people were hurt?

The report said three patients were being attended to by emergency personnel and up to three more were believed to be trapped inside the ambulance. No exact injury toll was confirmed.