N1 closed outside Polokwane after fatal crash kills two, injures one

Crash on N1 Road outside Polokwane in Limpopo on Thursday

The N1 Road has been closed outside Polokwane, Limpopo, after a collision that killed two people and injured one on Thursday afternoon.

Traffic spokesperson Mashudu Mabata says motorists travelling from Gauteng are advised to take the off-ramp at the Nyl Toll Plaza and the R101 to Polokwane.

“If you’re travelling from Gauteng to Polokwane, please off-ramp at Nyl-Plaza and use the R101 route to Polokwane. If you’re travelling from Polokwane towards the South, please use the R101 route towards Mokopane and join the N1 at Nyl-Plaza. We advise motorists to plan ahead and drive safely. We’ll provide further updates as more information becomes available.”

Travellers from Polokwane going south, are also advised to take the R101 towards Mokopane.

‘Avoid overloading’

Meanwhile, the Gauteng Traffic Police has warned motorists to comply with road safety regulations and avoid overloading their vehicles.

Traffic volumes in the province have increased significantly as people make their way to their destinations for the Easter weekend.

Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane says they will intensify operations across the province, particularly on routes with high traffic volumes.

“Over speeding, unsafe overtaking, reckless and negligent driving and overloaded vehicles, including trailers and public transport carrying many passengers, are the major contributing factors to road crashes during this period. Overloading compromises vehicle stability, increases braking distance, increases the risk of tyre bursts, and significantly raises the likelihood of serious and fatal accidents. It is important for motorists to ensure that vehicles do not carry loads exceeding the prescribed height, width, or projection restrictions. In addition, passengers must only be transported within the approved capacity of the vehicle, and children must be seated in accordance with relevant safety regulations.”