Three women were killed and four other people injured when a truck carrying passengers and goods overturned on the N1 at Gyser, near Polokwane in Limpopo, on Wednesday night.
The women, aged between 26 and 35, died at the scene, according to preliminary reports from the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety.
"Preliminary reports indicate that three females, aged between 26 and 35 years, lost their lives at the scene," department spokesperson Mashudu Mabata said.
Tyre puncture suspected
The crash happened near the Astron Garage in Gyser, in the Capricorn District, on the stretch of the N1 between Mokopane and Polokwane.
The truck reportedly suffered a tyre puncture before it overturned. The department's preliminary investigation points to the puncture as a possible cause, and overloading is being investigated as a possible contributing factor.
The truck's driver and three children were injured and taken to hospital for medical attention.
"The male driver and three children sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for medical attention," Mabata said.
The department has not said which hospital they were taken to, how old the children are or how many people were on the truck. The women have not been named.
N1 partly closed, delays expected
The N1 was partly closed on Thursday morning. "The road is partially closed, with one lane from Mokopane towards Polokwane currently open to traffic," Mabata said.
Two lanes in the north-to-south direction and part of the south-to-north lane were blocked. A heavy-duty recovery vehicle was at the scene to remove the truck, and the N1 Brigade was directing traffic.
Motorists travelling between Mokopane and Polokwane have been advised to use the R101 and rejoin the N1 in Mokopane. Further delays are expected until the truck is removed.
The department urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed and follow the instructions of traffic officials.
The investigation is continuing.
