A multi-vehicle crash on the N1 highway in South Africa’s Western Cape killed at least 21 people on Sunday night.
Two Toyota minibus taxis collided head-on between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka in the Klein Karoo (about 380 km east of Cape Town). A Suzuki station wagon then struck one of the taxis. Police confirmed 18 people were declared dead at the scene; three more who were taken to hospital died after arrival, bringing the total to 21. Several other occupants were injured and hospitalized.
The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. local time. The N1 was closed in both directions while emergency teams worked the scene. Motorists were advised to use an alternative route via Prince Albert Road Station, the R407, and the N12 toward Beaufort West.
Western Cape police opened a culpable homicide investigation. The cause of the collision had not been determined as of Monday morning reports.
Minibus taxis are a primary form of public transport in South Africa and are frequently involved in serious road incidents.
