At least 21 people have died following a multiple-vehicle road crash on South Africa’s N1 highway in the Western Cape.
The fatal accident occurred on Sunday night on the N1 between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka, about 380 kilometres from Cape Town, according to reports.
The crash involved two Toyota minibus taxis which reportedly collided head-on before a Suzuki SUV crashed into the wreckage.
Emergency responders were called to the scene, where 18 people were pronounced dead. Three other victims later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at a hospital, bringing the reported death toll to 21.
Four other people reportedly sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for medical attention.
The severity of the collision resulted in the closure of the N1 at the scene as emergency personnel, police officers and investigators worked to clear the area and establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
South African authorities have opened a culpable homicide investigation into the crash. The precise cause of the collision had not been established at the time of reporting, with investigators expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the head-on impact.
Authorities also cautioned that the death toll could change as investigations and medical assessments continued.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about road safety in South Africa, particularly the risks associated with long-distance travel and the high number of serious crashes involving minibus taxis.
The accident was among a number of deadly crashes recorded in the country over the weekend. A separate road accident near Ermelo in Mpumalanga reportedly claimed another eight lives.
The two incidents brought the reported number of people killed in major road crashes over the weekend to at least 29.
Road accidents remain a major concern in South Africa, with authorities and road safety organisations regularly urging motorists to observe speed limits, avoid dangerous overtaking and ensure that vehicles are roadworthy.
Investigations into the N1 crash are continuing as authorities work to determine exactly what led to the collision and establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The identities of the victims were not immediately released, as authorities continued with the necessary procedures and efforts to notify relatives.
Source: Thepressradio.com
