Bedfordview Gauteng | A woman has died after a large rock was allegedly thrown from a bridge onto the R24 freeway near Bedfordview, east of Johannesburg, in a shocking incident that has reignited concerns over rock-throwing attacks on Gauteng highways.
The fatal incident occurred on the morning of Friday, 14 August 2026, when the woman was travelling along the R24. According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), officers responded to the scene shortly after 07:38. Preliminary findings indicate that a large rock was allegedly thrown from a bridge above the freeway, smashing through the vehicle’s windscreen and striking the driver. The woman sustained severe head injuries and subsequently lost control of her vehicle before colliding with roadside barriers. She was declared dead at the scene.
Authorities are investigating conflicting reports regarding the exact bridge involved. Some community leaders initially identified the Van Der Linde Road Bridge, while EMPD officers reported that the object was allegedly thrown from the Concorde Road Bridge. Investigators are working to establish precisely where the rock originated and who was responsible.
The death has sparked outrage among residents, community policing organisations and road safety groups. The Bedfordview Community Policing Forum and local safety organisations have appealed for information that could help identify the perpetrators. An inquest docket has been opened at Bedfordview SAPS and investigators are examining available evidence, witness accounts and surveillance footage from the area.
The tragedy follows a series of similar incidents reported on major Gauteng highways in recent months. Bedfordview residents and motorists have repeatedly raised concerns about rocks being thrown from bridges onto passing vehicles. Earlier this year, motorists reported separate rock-throwing incidents on the nearby N12 near Gillooly’s, resulting in shattered windscreens and significant vehicle damage. Those incidents prompted warnings from community safety groups and calls for increased security around highway overpasses.
Road safety experts warn that objects thrown from bridges can become deadly projectiles when they strike vehicles travelling at highway speeds. Even relatively small rocks can penetrate windscreens, cause serious injuries and lead to catastrophic secondary crashes.
Community leaders are now calling for enhanced patrols around known hotspot bridges, improved surveillance systems and stronger prosecution of offenders. Safety organisations have advised motorists to remain vigilant when approaching bridges, particularly in areas where previous incidents have been reported.
At the time of posting, no arrests had been announced and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about suspicious activity on the bridge before the crash to contact Bedfordview SAPS or local community policing structures.
