Three people died when an over loaded sedan rolled on the R24 freeway west bound in Bedfordview on Sunday.

Four other occupants of the vehicle who suffered critical injuries were transported by ambulances to hospital for further medical care.

It is understood that the driver lost control and the vehicle rolled several times before landing on its roof inside a stream running next to the freeway.

Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) rescue team had to use specialised hydraulic rescue tools (Jaws of Life) to remove the patients from the wreckage.