South Africa road crash involving multiple vehicles kills at least 21

At least 21 people were killed and several others seriously injured after two minibus taxis collided head-on on a highway in South Africa's Western Cape province, authorities said on Monday.

The crash took place on Sunday night on the N1 highway between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka, about 380 km east of Cape Town, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation.

Authorities said the crash began when the two minibus taxis collided head-on. An SUV then crashed into the wreckage, the Western Cape Mobility Department said.

Three victims were taken to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival, police said.

Officials warned that the death toll could rise as emergency services and authorities continued to assess the crash site.

The N1 highway was closed in the area following the accident, while the Road Traffic Management Corporation launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Minibus taxis are a major form of public transport in South Africa and are frequently involved in fatal road accidents. Two separate crashes involving minibus taxis in January killed at least 25 people, including 14 children.- EndsPublished By: Devika BhattacharyaPublished On: Sep 14, 2026 15:09 IST