LIMPOPO – The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has advised motorists that traffic on the N1 between Polokwane and Mokopane is moving slowly following a serious crash that occurred last night.

A truck transporting passengers and goods reportedly experienced a tyre puncture and subsequently overturned, causing significant obstruction on the N1.

Road partially closed

The road is partially closed. One lane from Mokopane towards Polokwane is currently open to traffic.

Two lanes in the north-to-south direction, as well as part of the south-to-north lane, are obstructed. Traffic officials are at the scene controlling traffic.

Three dead, four injured

Preliminary reports indicate that three females, aged between 26 and 35, lost their lives at the scene.

The male driver and three children sustained injuries and were transported to hospital for medical attention.

Possible causes

The preliminary investigation indicates that the possible cause of the crash was a tyre puncture. Overloading is also being investigated as a possible contributing factor.

Alternative routes

To avoid delays, motorists are advised to use the following alternative routes:

• Mokopane to Polokwane: Use the R101
• Polokwane towards the South/Mokopane: Use the R101 and rejoin the N1 in Mokopane

Expect delays

Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed and follow the instructions of traffic officials when approaching the affected area.

Further delays should be expected as a heavy-duty recovery vehicle is currently on scene to recover the overturned truck.

The N1 Brigade is on scene conducting point duty and managing traffic flow.