LIMPOPO – Four people lost their lives in a collision between a car and a truck on the N1 near Mokopane early this morning.

According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the crash happened at about 05:39 in the northbound lane between the Sasol service station and the Zebediela Weighbridge.

The collision involved a Volkswagen Polo and a Scania truck.

The department said the four occupants of the Polo – one woman and three men – were declared dead at the scene.

While the cause of the crash has not yet been determined, preliminary information indicates that driver fatigue may have been a contributing factor. Authorities are continuing their investigation.

The department expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died.

Emergency personnel, including the SAPS, Traffic Police, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Forensic Pathology Services, responded to the scene.

Traffic continued to flow on the N1 while emergency services carried out their work, and motorists travelling through the area were urged to drive with caution and follow the instructions of traffic officials.

The department also reminded motorists, particularly those travelling long distances, to get enough rest before setting off and to take regular breaks during their journeys to help prevent fatigue-related crashes.