Two people have died in an accident involving three trucks on the N4. The highway is currently closed between Airlie and Malaga Hotel near Emgwenya and Elands Valley due to the incident.

Solange Soares, the spokesperson for N4 Trans African Concessions, said the victims were declared dead on the scene by the paramedics.

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“The maximum estimated time to reopen the road is three hours, but it could be sooner as pathology is on the scene. Once they conclude removing the bodies, procedures to reopen the road will begin,” Soares said.

Moeti Mmusi, the spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, said one of the trucks had lost control due to a burst tyre and crashed into another one.

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“The third truck crashed into the back of the second, which resulted in one of them catching on fire. It was also reported that several people were injured, and some were rushed to Waterval Boven Hospital. Emergency personnel are currently on the scene trying to clear the road so that traffic can start moving; however, motorists must try to use alternative routes to avoid delays,” Mmusi said.

He said traffic officers are diverting traffic onto the Schoemanskloof Road.

Lowvelder will keep its readers updated as the situation develops.