Concern mounts after two weekend crashes claim 29 lives in Mpumalanga and Western Cape - IOL

Multiple people are feared dead after a serious crash on the N1 between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka in the Western Cape.

The South African government has expressed concern after a tragic weekend on the nation's roads, during which at least 29 people lost their lives in two separate severe crashes.

The deadly weekend began early Sunday morning when eight people were killed in a horrific collision on the N17 toll road near Ermelo, Mpumalanga.

Less than 24 hours later, a devastating multi-vehicle crash on the N1 near Prince Albert in the Western Cape claimed another 21 lives.

Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said: “The government extended its condolences to the families and friends of all those who tragically lost their lives, while wishing those injured a speedy and full recovery.”

Emergency services, law enforcement agencies, and provincial traffic authorities are deployed at the crash sites to assist affected families, clear major highway disruptions, and investigate the circumstances behind the tragedies.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” Mnukwa emphasised, urging motorists affected by road closures to exercise patience while officials finish their critical on-site work.

With traffic volumes expected to surge across major routes in the coming days as South Africans travel to celebrate Heritage Day, officials called on all road users to exercise maximum caution.