At least 21 people were killed and several others seriously injured after a multi-vehicle crash on a highway in South Africa’s Western Cape province.
The accident occurred on Sunday night on the N1 highway between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka, around 380 kilometres east of Cape Town, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
Authorities said two minibus taxis collided head-on, after which an SUV crashed into the wreckage. Three victims were rushed to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival, police said.
Officials warned that the death toll could increase as emergency teams and authorities continued assessing the crash site.
The N1 highway was shut in the area following the accident, while the Road Traffic Management Corporation began an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Minibus taxis are widely used for public transport in South Africa and have frequently been involved in deadly road accidents. In January, two separate crashes involving minibus taxis claimed at least 25 lives, including 14 children.
