Cape Town – At least 21 people were reported dead after a major multiple-vehicle crash along the N1 between Leeu Gamka and Prins Albert in the Western Cape.
The crash, which occurred at about 00:30 this morning, Monday, 14 September 2026, involved two Toyota Quantum taxis and a Suzuki Brezza SUV.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said preliminary information received indicates that 21 people have sustained fatal injuries.
“The number remains subject to confirmation and may change as emergency services and authorities in the Western Cape continue their assessment of the scene,” the RTMC said.
“The cause of the crash has not yet been established and remains under investigation by the RTMC crash investigators, who are en route to establish more facts.”
Another major crash occurred on Sunday 13 September 2026 at approximately 01:00 on the N17 between Ermelo and Davel in Mpumalanga.
This crash involved two sedan vehicles in a head-on collision, which resulted in eight people losing their lives.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have expressed their condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in two major road crashes in Mpumalanga and Western Cape Provinces.
They have directed the RTMC, working together with local authorities, to investigate the causes of these road crashes.
“The preliminary reports will be available in 48 hours from the start of investigations,’’ a joint statement from Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa.
They have also directed the RAF to urgently avail its services to assist families of the victims and those who sustained injuries.
RTMC said a deadly crash occurred in the North West along the R104 near Rainbow Chicken in Rustenburg.
Five people sustained fatal injuries, bringing the fatalities to 34 since the weekend.
“The loss of 34 lives in three separate road crashes over such a short period is deeply concerning and represents an immense tragedy for the affected families and communities,” lamented RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.
“Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, as well as those who sustained injuries.
“We urge all road users to exercise extreme caution, obey speed limits and traffic regulations, avoid driving while fatigued or impaired, and ensure that every occupant is properly restrained.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and every road user has a role to play in preventing avoidable loss of life.”
