Eight people, including two children, were killed in a fiery head-on collision on the notorious N1 death stretch outside Beaufort West on Monday.
Western Cape Government Health’s (WCGH’s) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the crash involving a car and a minibus taxi 30km from Beaufort West, in the direction of Cape Town.
WCGH’s EMS spokesperson Deanna February said: “WCGH emergency services received a call for assistance which came through to our call centre at about 10.06am.
“The taxi driving to Cape Town collided with a car driving from Cape Town.
“The car was carrying six passengers including two children, while the taxi had two occupants, a man and a woman.
“Eight people were involved in the accident. Unfortunately, they all sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead on the scene by medical personnel.
Two ambulances and a rescue vehicle were dispatched to the scene. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.“
Beaufort West police have opened a case of culpable homicide following the deadly smash.
Spokesperson Christopher Spies said: “Initial reports recorded from the scene indicate that a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a red Volkswagen Polo collided head-on.
“A preliminary investigation suggests that the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions to and from the Cape Metropole.
"The cause of the accident is yet to be established,” he said.
Transport and Public Works Department spokesperson Jandré Bakker said the Polo allegedly had a tyre burst causing the vehicle to veer into the taxi’s path.
Both vehicles caught alight upon impact, burning all occupants beyond recognition.