POLOKWANE – One person has died and 14 others have sustained serious injuries following a collision between a minibus taxi and a truck near Ngoato Tlou High School in Sepanapudi earlier this morning.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed that one lane on the R597 has since been reopened to traffic while emergency personnel continue clearance operations at the scene.

Read more: Road closed after serious crash on R37 near Lebowakgomo

“According to preliminary reports, a minibus was changing lanes in an attempt to avoid a pedestrian walking on the roadway when it collided with a truck,” says department spokesperson, Mashudu Mabata.

A total of 14 people, including both drivers, suffered serious injuries and were transported for medical treatment.

A 13-year-old male learner died in the crash.

Traffic officials and police remain on the scene managing traffic and investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The crash caused significant traffic disruptions earlier in the day after the road was temporarily closed following the collision.