At least 21 people died and three others sustained serious injuries when two minibus taxis and a seven-seater station wagon collided on the N1 between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka in the Western Cape at approximately 23h30 on Sunday 13 September 2026. The N1 is closed in both directions. Image: Supplied
At least 21 people died after a crash on the N1 between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka in the Western Cape on Sunday night 13 September 2026. Three others sustained serious injuries. The N1 Prince Albert Leeu-Gamka crash happened at approximately 23h30. Two minibus taxis and a seven-seater station wagon collided. Furthermore, initial reports put the toll at 18 before authorities confirmed 21 deaths. As a result, this is one of the deadliest road crashes on the N1 in the Western Cape in recent memory.
The N1 closed in both directions after the crash. The closure stretches between Laingsburg and Beaufort West. The only alternative route goes via Prince Albert Road Station along the R407 toward the N12. From there motorists continue on the N12 toward Beaufort West. That diversion adds approximately 200 kilometres to the journey. Furthermore, the Western Cape Mobility Department urged motorists to exercise caution, expect delays and follow instructions from traffic officials on the scene. As a result, travellers planning to use the N1 through the Karoo should use alternative routes or delay their travel.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene. Leeu-Gamka SAPS, Merweville SAPS, Laingsburg Provincial Traffic, Beaufort West Provincial Traffic, Fire and Rescue Central Karoo, Metro EMS Central Karoo, Forensic Pathology Services and the Accident Response Team all deployed to the site. The scale of the response reflects the severity of what emergency teams found. Furthermore, Western Cape Mobility Department spokesperson Muneera Allie confirmed the department would issue further updates. As a result, the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The N1 between Prince Albert and Leeu-Gamka is a well-known danger stretch. It runs through the remote Karoo and carries heavy long-distance traffic between Cape Town and Johannesburg. Night driving on this stretch is dangerous. Poor lighting, driver fatigue and animals on the road all add to the risk. The area has a history of serious crashes. Three days before Sunday’s collision, three people died in a head-on crash at Leeu-Gamka when a minibus taxi and a bakkie collided. Furthermore, thousands of people die on South Africa’s roads every year. As a result, Sunday’s crash is a tragic reminder of what poor road safety and driver fatigue can cost.
President Cyril Ramaphosa had not yet issued a statement at the time of publication. The Transport Minister’s department had also not yet commented. Teams remain on the scene. The road closure will continue for an extended period.
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