Two people died and three others were injured in an accident involving two trucks and six light motor vehicles near the Vlaklaagte turn-off on the N17 at around 08:00.

One of the cars was crushed between the two trucks.

According to Russel Meiring, communication officer for ER 24, medics found two bodies trapped inside the vehicle. They were declared dead on the scene.

“Three other patients were tended to on the scene,” Meiring says.

They included the driver of one of the trucks who was trapped in his rig and two occupants in some of the other cars.

“Rescue Services had to use specialised equipment to free the driver from the truck. Once released, medics treated the patients and transported them to Mediclinic Highveld for further care,” says Meiring.

The road between Trichardt and the water reservoirs towards Kinross was closed off for several hours to clear the scene.

The fatal accident happened shortly after another non-serious accident, also on the N17 at Trichardt earlier today.

It is believed that thick mist in the area caused poor visibility leading to the accidents.