By Levy Masiteng
At least 21 people have been killed and three others seriously injured in a crash involving two minibus taxis and another vehicle on the N1 near Prince Albert Road in the Western Cape’s Central Karoo.
The collision happened at about 11.30pm on Sunday between Prince Albert Road and Leeu-Gamka, with emergency and traffic teams remaining at the scene on Monday morning.
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Western Cape authorities initially reported 18 fatalities before revising the death toll to 21.
The Western Cape Mobility Department said two minibus taxis and a car were involved in the collision.
Department spokesperson Muneera Allie said the N1 had been closed in both directions following the crash.
“Emergency and traffic teams remain on scene attending to the incident. The N1 is currently closed in both directions.”
“Motorists are urged to avoid the area where possible, exercise extreme caution, expect significant delays, and follow the instructions of traffic officials and emergency personnel on site,” Allie said.
Authorities said the only available alternative route was via Prince Albert Road Station, along the R407 towards the N12 and then continuing towards Beaufort West.
The detour is about 200km.
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Traffic officials, emergency medical services, fire and rescue teams, police and forensic personnel were involved in the response.
Motorists travelling between Laingsburg and Beaufort West were urged to reconsider their routes and allow for substantial delays.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established and remains under investigation.
The collision came three days after another deadly crash on the N1 near Leeu-Gamka.
On Friday, 11 September, three people were killed and six others injured when a minibus taxi and a Nissan NP200 bakkie collided head-on.
Police opened a culpable homicide case following that crash.
The N1 through the Central Karoo is a major long-distance passenger and freight route linking the Western Cape with the interior.
