Limpopo – A horrific multi-vehicle collision on the N1 North in the Makhado Local Municipality, Vhembe district, yesterday claimed the lives of a five-year-old girl and a female driver. The tragic incident, which occurred on Friday, 28 March, resulted in the closure of the crucial highway between Louis Trichardt and Musina.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Public Safety confirmed that the accident involved a Toyota heavy motor vehicle, a Toyota light delivery vehicle (bakkie), and a Toyota sedan. The collision occurred at approximately 8am in the Soutpansberg mountain pass, a section of the N1 known for its challenging driving conditions.
Departmental spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene stated that the driver of the heavy motor vehicle and two passengers sustained injuries in the pile-up. Emergency services are currently on the scene, working to clear the wreckage and provide medical assistance.
The accident occurred near the site of an earlier incident involving a stationary truck and a bakkie. This initial collision took place just past the notorious "Ingwe" hairpin turn on the N1 North, where the bakkie drove into the back of the truck amidst overcast and misty conditions. While no serious injuries were reported in this first accident, it created a hazardous situation that contributed to the subsequent, more devastating collision.
Initial reports suggest that the second, more serious accident occurred when the heavy vehicle, travelling down the mountain pass, collided head-on with the sedan right next to the scene of the earlier incident. The force of the impact caused the heavy vehicle to completely drive over the sedan, after which the truck capsized. The occupants of the sedan are believed to have sustained all of the fatalities.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the accidents are subject to further police investigation, preliminary findings suggest that reckless driving may have been a contributing factor. "An investigation will probe into this," Chuene confirmed.
In light of the accident, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety issued a statement informing motorists that the N1 is closed and advising them to use alternative routes.
For motorists travelling north from Makhado to Musina, the department advises turning right at the Witvlag turn-off and continuing to the Siloam junction. From there, motorists should turn left onto the R523 towards Dzanani and proceed straight to rejoin the N1. Motorists travelling from Musina to Makhado are advised to take the T-junction before the Hendrik Verwoerd tunnels and turn left into Witvlag.
Chuene urged motorists to exercise patience and caution while using the alternative routes. "Please exercise patience and caution," she added.
The department has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery. "We extend our sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and wish those injured a speedy recovery," Chuene said.
Chuene emphasised the importance of road safety and urged all road users to exercise caution and responsibility, particularly during peak travel periods. "This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for all road users to exercise caution and responsibility," she said. "The Department urges all road users to prioritise their safety and that of children, especially during peak travel periods."
