Three women killed in crash on N1 near Polokwane

Three women have been killed in a crash on the N1 at Gyser near the Astron Garage in Limpopo’s Capricorn District.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety says the crash happened on Wednesday night after a truck transporting passengers and goods reportedly suffered a tyre puncture and overturned.

Departmental spokesperson Mashudu Mabata says the crash has caused significant disruption on the N1.

"Traffic on the N1 at Gyser, near Astron Garage, is moving slowly following a serious crash that occurred last night. The road is partially closed, with one lane from Mokopane towards Polokwane currently open to traffic."

Mabata says three women, aged between 26 and 35, died at the scene.

"The male driver and three children sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for medical attention."

She says the preliminary investigation indicates that a tyre puncture may have caused the crash, while overloading is also being investigated as a possible contributing factor.

Two lanes in the north-to-south direction and part of the south-to-north lane remain obstructed.

Mabata says traffic officials are at the scene controlling the flow of vehicles, and motorists should expect further delays.

"A heavy-duty recovery vehicle is currently on scene to recover the overturned truck. The N1 Brigade is on scene conducting point duty and managing traffic flow."

Motorists travelling from Mokopane to Polokwane are being advised to use the R101, while those travelling from Polokwane towards the south or Mokopane can also use the R101 and rejoin the N1 in Mokopane.

Mabata has urged motorists to exercise caution when approaching the affected area.

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