Three women killed after passenger-carrying truck overturns on Limpopo’s N1

Three women have died and four other people, including three children, were injured after a truck carrying passengers and goods overturned on the N1 in Limpopo.

The crash happened on Wednesday night at Gyser, near the Astron Garage in the Capricorn District, leaving the busy national route partially blocked.

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the truck was reportedly carrying both passengers and goods when it overturned.

Three women, aged between 26 and 35, died at the scene.

The driver and three children were injured and taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Tyre puncture being investigated

Preliminary information suggests that a tyre puncture may have triggered the crash.

Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Mashudu Mabata said investigators were also looking into whether overloading contributed to the accident.

The cause of the crash has not yet been finally determined, with investigations continuing.

The circumstances are likely to come under further scrutiny given that the truck was transporting both passengers and goods when it overturned.

N1 partially closed after crash

The accident caused a major obstruction on the N1, one of the country’s key north-south transport routes.

A section of the highway remained partially closed while emergency and traffic officials worked at the scene.

For traffic travelling from Mokopane towards Polokwane, one lane was open.

Two lanes in the north-to-south direction, along with part of the south-to-north lane, remained obstructed.

Traffic officials were deployed to manage vehicles moving through the affected area, while a heavy-duty recovery vehicle was brought in to remove the overturned truck.

The N1 Brigade was also at the scene conducting point duty and assisting with traffic management.

Motorists urged to use R101

The authorities are warning motorists to expect delays and to consider using alternative routes while recovery operations continue.

Drivers travelling from Mokopane towards Polokwane are advised to use the R101.

Motorists heading south from Polokwane towards Mokopane can also use the R101 before rejoining the N1 in Mokopane.

Officials have urged motorists approaching the crash site to slow down, remain alert and follow instructions from traffic officers.

More delays expected

The incident highlights the disruption that a serious crash can cause on the N1, particularly along sections of the route that carry a high volume of long-distance traffic.

With recovery operations still underway, motorists have been advised to allow additional travel time and plan their journeys before setting out.

The department said further delays could be expected while the overturned truck was removed and the affected lanes were cleared.

Investigations into the crash and the possible role of the reported tyre failure and overloading are continuing.

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Source: iol.co.za