Western Cape: Eight dead following horrific N1 crash [photos]

The new year has got off to a tragic start in the Western Cape, after a multi-vehicle collision accounted for the loss of eight lives in the early hours of Friday. The N1 crash has sparked major traffic disruption, as police continue to clear the scene.

Details are still sketchy at this point, but we can tell you that the smash occurred near the Prince Albert District before sunrise. Several passengers, and one of the drivers, were confirmed dead at the scene. Emergency responders made the gruesome discovery – and rushed to get the surviving commuters to a nearby hospital.

N1 crash latest – death toll rises to eight

Once again, our festive celebrations – even when confined to our own homes – have been marred by another major incident on the roads. A spokesperson for the Western Cape Traffic Department revealed that the crash happened just after midnight, and even at this hour, the severe impact of this N1 crash is still causing problems for northbound travellers.

• Three vehicles were involved in the pile-up: Two minibus taxis and a heavy goods vehicle.
• The incident occurred about 10km away from Leeu Gamka in the Karoo.
• Police remain at the scene and traffic has been majorly disrupted in this region, due to the N1 crash.

In photos: Fatal traffic collision overshadows new year celebrations in the Western Cape

@TrafficSA Western Cape, N1 South, 30km before Prince Albert – massive truck overturned in a collison with two minibusses – north-bound lane is blocked… pic.twitter.com/s56p6D5Zxe

— Baking 🍬 Barbie (@cooklet) January 1, 2021

#Update #fatalcrash
N1 10 km before Leeu-Gamka. Death toll now 8 confirmed fatalities.
2 Taxis and a truck. Road closed @BOSBEER2006#1SecondTelegram #1Second #1SecondZello @1SecondLater #mariusbroodryk #bosbeer2006 pic.twitter.com/wHZ1Qol3g9

— 1Second (@1SecondLater) January 1, 2021

WARNING: The following image may upset sensitive readers
Eight people lost their lives on the first day of 2021 in an accident on the N1 close to Leeu Gamka. Three vehicles were involved – a truck and two minibus taxis. Preliminary reports suggest the truck was travelling pic.twitter.com/9XUgLsZzhb

— Voice of the Cape (@VOCfm) January 1, 2021