Eight people died on Monday morning after two vehicles collided and burst into flames on the N1 outside Beaufort West.
Police spokesperson Sgt Christopher Spies said a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a red Volkswagen Polo collided head-on.
“Beaufort West police opened a case of culpable homicide following a fatal accident on the N1 outside Beaufort West between 9 and 10 this morning.”
This may be graphic and upset people
— Veve (@LudidiVelani) December 20, 2021
Six people died this morning when a light motor vehicle and a minibus taxi collided into each other on the N1, 30 km from Beaufort West, in the direction of Cape Town Emergency Services n Forensic Pathology Services are currently on the scene pic.twitter.com/iHFeBjAWml
“At least eight occupants, two in the minibus and six in the motor vehicle, sustained serious injuries. They were later declared dead by paramedics on scene. Preliminary investigation suggests the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions to and from the Cape metropole.”
Spies said the cause of the accident is yet to be established.
Western Cape minister of transport and public works Daylin Mitchell said initial reports suggested a tyre burst on the VW Polo, causing it to veer into the taxi.
“Both vehicles caught fire and all passengers were burnt beyond recognition. My heartfelt condolences to all the families and the loved ones of those who lost their lives.”
He said the Western Cape was experiencing a significant outflow of traffic on main routes since schools and industry closed last week.
TimesLIVE
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