Two children are among nine people killed in a head-on collision involving an SUV and truck on the N1 bypass near Mall of the North in Polokwane this morning.

According to the Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene, an SUV lost control and collided head-on with a truck.

Although it was initially reported that seven people were killed in the accident, Chuene confirmed the death toll rose to nine.

“Four male and five female passengers from the SUV were killed” she said.

The road was temporarily closed for law enforcement officers and emergency services to attend to the scene. Two people who sustained injuries were transported to hospital.

Chuene said fatigue is suspected as the possible cause of the collision.

Transport MEC Polly Boshielo urged motorists to always obey the rules of the road to ensure they arrive alive at their respective destinations.

TRAFFIC UPDATE 🚨

06 September 2022

Seven dead and two injured in motor vehicle accident on the N1 bypass, near Mall of the North in Polokwane this morning. MEC Polly Boshielo sends condolences to the bereaved families. pic.twitter.com/vH3pgBgC3A

— Limpopo Department of Transport & Community Safety (@TransportLimCom) September 6, 2022