21 killed in road accident in South Africa's Western Cape

This photo taken on Sept. 14, 2026 shows the site of a road accident in the Western Cape province of South Africa. At least 21 people were killed in a road accident in the Western Cape province of South Africa, local media reported on Monday. The accident occurred at around 11:30 p.m. (2130 GMT) on Sunday night on the N1 highway between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka in the province, involving two minibus taxis and a station wagon, according to media reports. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. (Photo: South Africa's Western Cape Mobility Department/Handout via Xinhua)

CAPE TOWN, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 people were killed in a road accident in South Africa's Western Cape province, authorities said on Monday.

The accident occurred at around 11:30 p.m. (2130 GMT) Sunday on the N1 highway between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka in the province, involving two minibus taxis and a station wagon.

Local police confirmed the crash to Xinhua, saying emergency personnel were summoned to the scene after three vehicles collided.

"Upon arrival, police found two Toyota minibus taxis that collided head-on and a Suzuki station wagon which collided with one of the taxis," police spokesperson Christopher Spies told Xinhua.

"A total of 18 occupants were declared deceased. Several other occupants were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment," he said, adding that local police have opened a culpable homicide case and are investigating the cause of the crash.

The Western Cape Mobility Department later confirmed in a statement that the death toll had risen to 21.

The department said the N1 highway remained closed in both directions due to the severity of the crash, urging motorists to avoid the area, exercise extreme caution and use alternative routes.