Four people have died and 17 others were injured in two separate crashes on the N1 in Limpopo last night (August 28).

In the first incident, Polokwane Review reports that a sedan travelling northbound veered out of its lane and collided with a SAPS minibus near a filling station outside Polokwane at approximately 19:00.

The impact caused the sedan to catch fire, and the driver, who has not yet been identified, died at the scene.

Twelve SAPS members sustained injuries. According to The Witness, motorists and emergency services rushed to the scene, managed to extinguish the flames, rescue the injured police members and transport them to various medical facilities across the province.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers visited the scene and extended his well wishes to the injured members and conveyed his condolences to the family of the motorist who died.

Scheepers also thanked those who responded to the collision and helped save the officers.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are continuing. Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye sent her heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the 12 SAPS members and her condolences to the family of the deceased.

“We commend the swift response by motorists, law enforcement, traffic officers and emergency services who acted decisively to extinguish the fire and rescue the injured. Their bravery saved lives this evening,” said Mathye.

3 killed near Modimolle Mountain

Meanwhile, Polokwane Review reports that in a separate incident on the N1 near Modimolle Mountain, three vehicles were involved in a collision that left three people dead.

Four people sustained slight injuries, while one person sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.

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