South Africa road crash kills 21; several others seriously injured

Cape Town:At least 21 people were killed and several others seriously injured after two minibus taxis collided head-on on a major highway in South Africa’s Western Cape province on Sunday night.

The crash occurred on the N1 highway between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka, around 380 km east of Cape Town, the Road Traffic Management Corporation said on Monday.

The agency warned that the death toll could rise as emergency services and authorities continue to assess the scene.

According to the Western Cape Mobility department, the crash began when the two minibus taxis collided head-on. An SUV then crashed into the vehicles.

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

The N1 highway was closed at the crash site, while the Road Traffic Management Corporation launched an investigation into the incident.

Minibus taxis are a major form of public transport in South Africa and are frequently involved in fatal road crashes. Two separate minibus taxi accidents in January killed at least 25 people, including 14 children.

(AP)