A man was killed and 14 other people were injured on Monday afternoon when a minibus taxi overturned on the N1 in Limpopo, allegedly after speeding and suffering a tyre burst.
The crash occurred near Ysterberg, a stretch of the N1 that has seen heavy traffic volumes as holidaymakers return to Gauteng and other economic hubs following the festive season.
Overspeeding and Tyre Burst Suspected
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed the incident, saying preliminary information points to excessive speed and a tyre failure as the likely causes.
“The driver of the taxi lost control and the vehicle overturned,” said Tshifiwa Dali, spokesperson for Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye.
Emergency services responded swiftly, but one male passenger was declared dead at the scene. The remaining 14 occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Temporary Closure of the N1
The crash resulted in the temporary closure of the N1 in both directions, causing significant traffic delays for several hours.
Dali confirmed that the road has since reopened.
“The N1, which was temporarily closed in both directions, is now open and traffic is flowing. We urge road users to remain vigilant and patient as they travel to their destinations,” he said.
SANTACO Reinforces Road Safety Message
In the wake of the crash, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) reiterated its call for stronger cooperation between drivers, operators, commuters and law-enforcement agencies.
SANTACO national spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the appeal forms part of the Hlokomela Road Safety Campaign, launched on 30 November 2025 and running through mid-January, a period traditionally marked by high volumes of return-trip traffic.
“The campaign is aimed at ensuring that commuters are transported in roadworthy vehicles and arrive at their destinations safely during these peak travel periods,” Phala said.
Fatigue and Speed Remain Key Risks
Phala stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and warned that fatigue and distracted driving continue to be major contributors to serious accidents.
Taxi drivers operating on long-distance and cross-border routes, particularly those travelling to and from the Eastern Cape, were urged to prioritise rest. Taxi owners were encouraged to deploy relief drivers to reduce fatigue-related risks.
“Fatigue and distracted driving remain among the leading contributors to road incidents and are strongly discouraged,” she said.
Advice to Commuters
Commuters were also encouraged to play their part by planning trips ahead of time, avoiding excess luggage and exercising patience during busy travel periods.
Phala further urged passengers to make use of accredited public transport services, including registered taxis operating within regulated frameworks.
“Road safety is a collective responsibility. Through continued cooperation, vigilance and mutual respect, we can reduce accidents and save lives on South Africa’s roads,” she said.
The Limpopo crash adds to growing concern over road safety on national routes, particularly during peak travel seasons, as authorities continue to urge caution, compliance and accountability from all road users.
