N1 horror crash: Nine dead after car MANGLED by truck [photo]

An N1 crash reported on Monday bears some harrowing hallmarks: Nine people, including two young children, were found in the wreckage.

N1 horror crash: Nine dead after car MANGLED by truck [photo]

Nine people travelling in a Toyota Fortuna lost their lives on Tuesday, following a horrific crash on the N1. The incident, which occurred near Polokwane, forced a set of temporary road closures as emergency crews attended the scene.

N1 crash: Latest traffic news and updates for Tuesday 6 September

On top of the fatalities, two others were left injured in the collision. It’s understood that the passenger vehicle swayed into oncoming traffic, and smashed head-first into this truck. Photos from the scene capture the shocking extent of the damage…

N1 CRASH
This tragic collision was allegedly caused by ‘driver fatigue’ – Photo: Arrive Alive

What caused this deadly N1 crash?

The Fortuna was left in a mangled heap, leaving its occupants with little to no chance of survival. Compounding the sadness, it has also been confirmed that two young children were identified amongst the deceased. The incident took place close to Polokwane’s Mall of the North.

Toyota driver ‘lost control’ of vehicle near Polokwane

With two survivors now receiving specialist hospital treatment, attention will turn to what exactly caused this N1 crash. Preliminary reports suggest that ‘driver fatigue‘ is a possible factor, but these claims are yet to be verified by road safety agencies.

Arrive Alive issued a sombre statement on Tuesday, confirming a number of details that had already been shared on social media. The truck driver is not suspected of any ‘foul play’, but investigators are still trying to piece this puzzle together:

“There was a serious vehicle and truck crash on the N1 bypass near the Mall of the North. It is reported that the Toyota Fortuner lost control and crashed head-on into a truck. Seven fatalities were reported on the scene of the collision.”

“The driver and six passengers died on the scene – of which two were young children.” | Arrive Alive