Johannesburg - Eight people died and seven were injured when two cars collided on the N2 early Monday afternoon, the Eastern Cape health department said.

The accident happened on the stretch of road between Queenstown and Cathcart, spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said.

"One of the vehicles caught fire. Four passengers were burnt beyond recognition. Paramedics described the scene as horrible."

The other four passengers were also declared dead on the scene.

Elsewhere, seven people were injured when a car overturned on the N2 between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth, Kupelo said.

The causes of both accidents were unknown.

Source: News24