At least 21 people have died after a major road crash in South Africa’s Western Cape province.
The collision happened late Sunday on the N1 highway between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka, about 380 kilometres east of Cape Town.
Authorities said two Toyota minibus taxis collided head-on. A Suzuki SUV then crashed into the wreckage.
The impact killed 18 people at the scene. Three more victims later died after reaching hospital.
Four other people suffered serious injuries.
Crash Shuts Down N1 Highway
The South Africa road crash forced authorities to close the N1 highway at the scene.
Emergency crews and investigators responded to the area as officials assessed the damage and treated survivors.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation warned that the death toll could still change as the investigation continues.
Police have opened a culpable homicide investigation. However, authorities have not yet established exactly what caused the collision.
Two Minibus Taxis Collided Head-On
According to the Western Cape Mobility Department, the crash began when the two minibus taxis struck each other head-on.
The SUV then hit the two damaged vehicles.
The collision caused extensive destruction and left numerous passengers trapped or seriously injured.
Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the actions of the drivers and road conditions.
Minibus Taxis Remain a Major Safety Concern
Minibus taxis provide transport for millions of people across South Africa.
However, they also feature regularly in the country’s deadliest road crashes.
Overcrowding, driver behaviour, vehicle conditions and road safety concerns have all contributed to long-running concerns about minibus taxi accidents.
The latest South Africa road crash has again highlighted those concerns.
Another Deadly Crash Kills Eight
The Western Cape collision was one of two major crashes that killed at least 29 people across South Africa over the weekend.
A separate crash near Ermelo in Mpumalanga province killed eight people early Sunday.
Together, the incidents have renewed calls for stronger road safety measures across the country.
Authorities Continue South Africa Crash Investigation
Police and road investigators remain at the scene as they work to establish the exact cause of the collision.
Officials have urged motorists to exercise caution while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, families face the difficult task of identifying and mourning those who died.
The authorities have not ruled out further changes to the death toll as emergency teams complete their assessment.
South Africa Road Crash Renews Road Safety Concerns
The latest tragedy adds to a long list of deadly crashes involving minibus taxis in South Africa.
Two separate minibus taxi crashes in January killed at least 25 people, including 14 children.
Therefore, the latest South Africa road crash is likely to increase pressure on authorities to improve passenger safety and reduce fatal collisions.
For now, investigators will focus on determining what caused the three-vehicle crash and whether any further action is required.
