UPDATE: Eastern Cape crash death toll rises to 15

CAPE TOWN - The number of fatalities in a head-on collision involving an SUV and minibus on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg in the Eastern Cape has risen to 15.

Officials confirmed a Mazda CX5 SUV with six occupants and a fully loaded minibus travelling from the Western Cape collided head-on early on Monday morning.

ALSO READ: RTMC calls on motorist to practice extreme caution after EC crash claims 14 lives

Makhaya Komisa spokesperson for Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha says the cause of the crash is being investigated.

"Transport and community MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed his deep sadness regarding the accident, offering sincere condolences to the grieving families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He continues to urge motorists to drive cautiously and to reduce speed."

The Road Traffic Management Corporation's spokesperson, Simon Zwane, echoed the sentiment.

"We want to call on motorists to exercise caution on the roads and people to better manage fatigue because we know that exhaustion both physical and mental exhaustion affects a driver's judgement."

Officials say the cause of the accident is still being investigated.