(UPDATE): 17:28 – The N1 near Kranskop has reopened to traffic after a fatal multiple-vehicle collision earlier on Sunday claimed the lives of two women and left several others injured.

Traffic authorities confirmed that the accident scene has been cleared and the southbound carriageway is now open. However, traffic officers remain on scene managing congestion, while heavy traffic is still being reported on both the N1 and the R101.

Motorists are urged to remain patient, drive with caution and follow the instructions of traffic officials as traffic volumes gradually return to normal.

Earlier, the N1 was closed after a four-vehicle collision between the Kranskop Toll Plaza and the Modimolle off-ramp. The crash claimed two lives, left three people seriously injured and one person critically injured.

LIMPOPO – The N1 near Kranskop has been temporarily closed following a multi-vehicle collision in the Waterberg District that has claimed two lives.

The crash occurred between High Accident and the Modimolle off-ramp and involved four vehicles – three sedans and a Toyota seven-seater SUV.

According to preliminary reports, the collision began with a head-on crash between the Toyota SUV and a Kia sedan. A second head-on collision allegedly occurred as other motorists attempted to avoid the initial impact, involving a Kia Picanto and an Audi.

The N1 northbound has been closed from the Kranskop Toll Plaza, with traffic being diverted via the R33 through Modimolle to rejoin the R101.

Two women were declared dead at the scene.

Three people, two men and one woman, sustained serious injuries, while another man was critically injured and was awaiting airlift by helicopter at the time of the latest update. One woman sustained minor injuries.

Emergency services remain on scene and the road closure is expected to cause significant delays.

Motorists are urged to follow diversion signs, exercise caution and expect delays in the area. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.