Man killed, 14 injured as speeding taxi overturns on N1 in Limpopo
A suspected tyre burst and speeding led to the death of one man and left 14 others injured when a minibus taxi overturned on the N1 in Limpopo on Monday afternoon.
Image: Supplied
A man was killed and 14 other people were injured on Monday afternoon when a ‘speeding’ minibus taxi overturned on the N1 in Limpopo.
The crash occurred on Monday near Ysterberg after the taxi allegedly lost control due to speeding and a tyre burst.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed the incident.
“The driver of the taxi lost control, and the vehicle overturned,” said Tshifiwa Dali, spokesperson for the MEC of Transport, Violet Mathye.
He said overspeeding and a tyre burst were the suspected causes of the crash.
One male passenger died at the scene, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, Dali said.
The N1 was temporarily closed in both directions, causing major traffic disruptions.
Dali said 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.
Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has called for continued collaboration among taxi drivers, operators, commuters and law enforcement as thousands of people return to Gauteng and other work centres following the festive season.
SANTACO national spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the call forms part of the Hlokomela Road Safety Campaign, launched on November 30, 2025, and running through mid-January as return-trip traffic volumes begin to ease.
“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.
She said SANTACO continues to promote shared responsibility for road safety, noting that safer journeys require cooperation between drivers and commuters.
Phala said the taxi council will continue rolling out road safety activities with law-enforcement agencies across major routes and provinces, focusing on compliance, driver awareness and responsible road use, she said.
She urged taxi drivers on long-distance and cross-border routes, particularly those travelling to and from the Eastern Cape, to prioritise adequate rest. Taxi owners were encouraged to use relief drivers to reduce fatigue.
“Fatigue and distracted driving remain among the leading contributors to road incidents and are strongly discouraged,” she said.
Commuters were also urged to plan trips in advance, limit excess luggage and exercise patience during peak travel times.
Phala encouraged the use of accredited public transport, 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.
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