A tragic head-on collision on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Belfast, at around 23:30 last night, has left seven people dead – six men and one woman – following a crash involving two sedans, an Audi and a Honda.

One person was seriously injured and is receiving treatment at Belfast Hospital.

The crash occurred on the Dalmanutha / Winnaarspoort section of the N4, between Milly’s and the Berg en Dal War Memorial Monument.

At 05:36, emergency services confirmed that the N4 was initially closed in both directions. According to services currently on scene, the road has since been partly reopened, with traffic moving under controlled conditions while recovery operations continue.

According to a media statement issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the cause of the accident remains under investigation, with dangerous overtaking and excessive speed cited as possible contributing factors.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, issued a strong appeal to motorists, particularly during night-time travel.

“We are again appealing to motorists to be extremely vigilant, especially at night when visibility is reduced. Roads are shared spaces, and drivers must do all in their might to prevent needless loss of life from deadly crashes,” said Macie.

Motorists are urged to avoid the N4 between Belfast and Machadodorp, use alternative routes and delay travel until the road is officially reopened.

This is a developing story, and updates will be published as more official information becomes available.