Two minibus taxis collided head-on before an SUV crashed into the wreckage on a major highway in the Western Cape

Western Cape, South Africa (Running Africa) — At least 21 people have been killed in a multi-vehicle crash on South Africa’s N1 highway in the Western Cape, with four others seriously injured, authorities said Monday.

The collision occurred late Sunday between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka, about 380 kilometers east of Cape Town, and involved two Toyota minibusses and a Suzuki SUV, according to police.

Eighteen people were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others later died in the hospital.

Two Minibus Taxis Collide Head-On on N1

Authorities said the two minibus taxis collided head-on before the SUV crashed into the wreckage.

Emergency services responded to the scene, where the scale of the collision forced authorities to close the N1 while rescue teams and investigators worked.

Four people sustained serious injuries and were taken to medical treatment.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation said the death toll could change as authorities continued assessing the crash.

Police Open Culpable Homicide Investigation

South African police have opened a culpable homicide investigation following the deadly collision.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the two taxis colliding.

Authorities had not immediately disclosed further details about the victims.

At Least 29 Killed in Two South Africa Crashes

The Western Cape collision was one of two major road accidents reported in South Africa over the weekend.

A separate crash near Ermelo in Mpumalanga killed eight people on Sunday.

Together, the two incidents left at least 29 people dead, adding to concerns over fatal crashes on South Africa’s roads.

Investigations into the N1 collision remain ongoing, with authorities warning that the confirmed casualty figures could be updated as more information becomes available.