Five killed in N1 North Road crash near Midrand

Five people died in a horror crash on the N1 North between the Buccleuch Interchange and Allandale Road in Midrand, Johannesburg.

The accident that took place on Wednesday involved a single minibus taxi that overturned.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed the incident and warned motorists of significant traffic disruption on the freeway following the fatal crash.

“A single-vehicle accident involving an overturned minibus taxi has occurred on the N1 North between the Buccleuch Interchange and Allandale Road in Midrand,” said JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla.

He said emergency services and law enforcement officials were currently on the scene.

“The accident has resulted in multiple injuries and, tragically, five confirmed fatalities.”

Fihla added that the far-right lane was currently affected and that traffic was severely backed up.

“A full closure of the freeway will be necessary shortly to allow for proper scene processing and recovery operations,” he said.

Motorists can expect heavy delays in both directions on the N1 freeway. 

The JMPD advised all road users to avoid the affected section and to seek alternative routes. Drivers were urged to exercise patience and drive with caution.

Meanwhile, in Limpopo, two people were killed in a separate accident on the R35 road near Morokolotsi in the Mopani District.

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, a Toyota light delivery vehicle collided head-on with a Toyota minibus while overtaking on a barrier line.

“Sadly, the driver and passenger of the light delivery vehicle were killed in the accident,” the department said.

The driver and six passengers of the minibus sustained moderate to serious injuries and were transported to Letaba Hospital and Van Velden Hospital for treatment.

Preliminary reports suggest that reckless driving may have contributed to the accident. 

The department said a full investigation is under way to determine the exact circumstances of the collision.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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