The N1 highway between Beaufort West and Leeu Gamka was closed off to traffic on Monday morning after a car accident left eight occupants dead.
What caused Beaufort West car accident?
In a statement, Western Cape’s shadow minister of transport and public works Daylin Mitchell revealed that “a tyre burst on the private vehicle, causing it to veer into head on into the minibus taxi.”
While it is unclear, at this stage, if occupants were alive at the time of the crash, Mitchell confirmed “both vehicles caught fire and all passengers were burned beyond recognition.”
“The festive season is the most challenging time for traffic law enforcement and our officers work around the clock to make sure all road users are safe.
“I urge all who are planning to travel over the festive season to please make sure they stay safe by wearing their mask over their nose and mouth at all times when out in any public transport vehicle,” he said.
Beaufort West SAPS, EMS, Forensic Pathology Services and Provincial Traffic Services cordoned off the area to collect the charred bodies and remove the rubble from the N1, causing a major traffic backlog in both directions.
At this time, no official confirmation has come from authorities on the latest situation regarding traffic flow in the region.
Western Cape – N1 Route: #FatalCrash south of Beaufort West – 6 x Fatalities at the scene so far pic.twitter.com/lMYbzW6oWC
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) December 20, 2021
Mitchell has urged motorists to practice extreme levels of caution when embarking on interprovincial travel during this high peak period.
“Speeding dramatically increases the risk of a crash. It also increases the likelihood of death or injury because the impact is greater. The faster you travel, the longer it takes you to stop, especially if the road is slippery. Stick to the speed limit, and slow down if visibility is poor or if you see a pedestrian near the road,” he stressed.
The identities of the victims had not been made public at the time this article was published.