South Africa multi-vehicle crash kills at least 21 people

At least 21 people were killed and several others seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on the N1 highway in South Africa’s Western Cape province. The accident occurred around 11:30 pm on Sunday night between the towns of Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka, approximately 380 kilometers northeast of Cape Town.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the Western Cape Mobility department reported that the crash involved two minibus taxis and a third vehicle, described as a station wagon or SUV. Authorities believe the two minibuses collided head-on before the third vehicle struck the wreckage.

The collision resulted in the immediate closure of the N1 highway in both directions. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes, such as the R407 towards the N12, though this diversion adds approximately 200 kilometers to the journey. Police have opened a culpable homicide investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.