At least 21 killed in N1 crash in the Central Karoo

At least 21 people have been killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the N1 between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka in the Western Cape.

The collision involved two minibus taxis and another vehicle late on Sunday night, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation and Western Cape Mobility officials.

Associated Press reported that the crash happened at about 23:30. Several other people were seriously injured.

Western Cape Mobility said preliminary information indicated that the two minibus taxis collided head-on before the third vehicle crashed into them.

Investigation under way

Authorities had not confirmed what caused the initial collision by late Monday morning. The identities of those killed had also not been released publicly.

Emergency teams were sent to the scene and the crash was being investigated. The number of people taken to hospital and the condition of individual survivors were not immediately available.

The stretch of the N1 through the Central Karoo is a major long-distance route used by passenger vehicles, buses, taxis and freight traffic travelling between the Western Cape and the interior.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation and provincial authorities had not announced a final reconstruction of the crash at the time of publication. This report will be updated when verified information is released.